Do the Benefits of Social Networking Outweigh the Risks

More than 350 million people log into social networking sites each day. While this might be just another fact to support the theory that many people are addicted to social media, one might be tempted to wonder if social media sites have any benefits. The risks and dangers commonly associated with social media certainly seem to disregard these. However, upon closer examination of social media and the possible uses of such sites, a more suitable and reasonable statement is that social media do indeed have benefits that outweigh these risks and dangers. Social media, even with some of its disadvantages, can prove to benefit the education of many young students, if used appropriately. Source B states that Student research participants†¦show more content†¦The video that the 14-year old teen posted was one well-received by many, as it has received millions of views around the world, showing that social media can be used as a means of effective communication across long distances. A Reddit user touched the hearts of many in the online community by posting a simple image gallery of his girlfriend’s nephew, who needed a bone marrow transplant. He asked for donations to help out his family, and within hours, the Internet community had pitched in $31,000 for the cause, and less than a week later, the total had risen to about $55,000. Even if cyber bullying were to break out during this event, one could argue that the pathos conveyed in this photoset will appeal to all kinds of people using social media, and will most likely bring out their kindness in order to express sympathy, among other emotions. Money is fairly hard to earn these days in such a weak economy. Social media, then, creates an intimate feeling of trust among those who participated. Social media can be used to benefit one’s social skills and morals and in general, the social community at large around the world. It is possible to use social media to expand organizations and allow them to reach more audiences. As stated in Source B, â€Å"Studies suggest that approximately 70 percent of all organizations engage in structured collaboration using online social learning tools such as blogs, wikis andShow MoreRelatedThe Positive Effect of Social Media Essay724 Words   |  3 PagesEffect of Social Media Since the birth of social media people have argued whether it has a positive or negative effect on society. Social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram give people a chance to stay connected. Although, with the power of social media comes the possibility of cyber bullying. While there are some negatives associated with social media, the positives in communication all around, has made the world stronger and a better place to live in. 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