24 advantages and disadvantages of social networks
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram ... There are countless applications and social networks , both for adults and young people. Social networks have different functions, different platforms and are aimed at a specific audience that is very active on the Internet and interested in keeping in touch with many people or making themselves known publicly.
It is a technological revolution that settled in our lives at the beginning of the millennium and it seems that its exploitation is infinite. Profit or scourge? Below you can see 12 advantages and 12 disadvantages of social networks .
- Related article: "The psychology behind social networks: the unwritten code of behavior"
Advantages of social networks
Always insists on the bad habits that are acquired in social networks, but not everything is bad or take us to the path of perdition.
1. Global connectivity
These portals allow us to connect with those friends or family with whom we have long lost contact . If we are going to live a season out, it becomes an essential tool.
2. Virtual groups
It is one of the great pluses. Groups, of any kind, allow to exchange impressions and / or resolve existing doubts. In part, they have replaced Internet forums.
3. Instant messaging
Not long ago people had only two means of communication: physical letter or cable phone, which did not always offer good service. Thanks to the social network chats we can communicate with whoever we want in real time .
4. Additional information
It is an effective alternative against conventional media that until recently monopolized the sector. Now it is much easier find other sources of information .
5. Advertising
Infojobs, Jobtalent or Linkedln are the most used portals to find a job. The current difficulties in finding employment have turned these social networks into real showcases to publicize our professional skills.
6. Exchange of skills
Learning languages, teaching a trade in exchange for another or sharing hobbies is another characteristic that has allowed a new way of relating socially.
7. Project a business
The companies can contact potential customers , potential candidates or give greater visibility to the product, which they offer in a more efficient way.
8. Transparency
Social networks are probably the most transparent and universal means of communication of all, since there are no social or cultural barriers that prevent their use.
9. A democratizing medium
In line with the previous point, in social networks we can publish any type of information, photo, advertisement or even texts about political ideologies.
10. Power activism
Nowadays, corruption, crimes or some social inequalities come to light thanks to the collective complaint that you can do campaigns on Facebook or Twetter. One of the advantages of social networks with a greater impact on the political landscape.
11. Knowledge
You can find countless people who share their academic knowledge through social networks. Even there are those who upload videos as a virtual class .
12. Versatility
Over the years, these portals have been changing their functions. What started as a page where hanging our best photos can also be a way to meet people with similar interests or to seek information. What does the future hold?
Its disadvantages
Now we will see the possible dangers of these tools.
1. Privacy
Surely it is the first concern you have as a user. Being so exposed We do not know where the limit is in our privacy.
2. Fraud
It is related to point number 1. You have to be very careful with the information we share (bank data, locations) and try to change the account password periodically to prevent identity theft, among others.
3. Less personal contact
Being a comfortable and present means of communication in mobile devices, they are often abused by losing the social skills that characterize the human being.
4. Loving break
Mismanagement of social networks with a partner can cause serious problems in the relationship. Jealousy, mobile phone addiction, anxiety when exposed to the other person's publications ...
- Related article: "The 6 uncomfortable truths about the breakup of a couple"
5. Abusing the use
Many users are diehard addicted to its use , people who have come to need professional treatment to be able to control their impulses to be permanently connected.
6. Productive deficiency
The mobile adaptation of all the social portals have had a negative impact on the workplace, there being cases of serious accidents or the decrease in productive performance because of distractions .
7. Virtual bullying
Adolescents are the easy target to fall into this social phenomenon. By owning mobile devices very soon, this can cause children to make bad contacts or to share compromising information to humiliate others.
- Related article: "Cyberbullying: analyzing the characteristics of virtual harassment"
8. Pedophilia
Unfortunately, the ease with which to share photos and videos are advantages that criminal organizations take advantage of in order to weave a network of videos and photos of a sexual nature.
9. False self-esteem
The self-esteem is influenced by the many "likes" that other users click on the photos that are hanging. This, the lack of "likes", can cause low self-esteem.
10. Bad corporate image
In the same way that the good image of a company can be enhanced, can also quickly spread a bad image in a given case, such as having sold a product in defective condition.
11. False information
Without a doubt, one of the most noticeable disadvantages. Global connectivity has caused many false news and events to become viral.
12. False Need
The importance that is given to social networks, sometimes in an exaggerated way, has created a kind of artificial need . How many times do we worry about having wi-fi while traveling?
