In today’s digital age, no one can resist the temptation of social media. With apps like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc., all these apps are tightly connected to everyone’s everyday routine. Since humans are social animals, it is not hard to imagine that interpersonal relationships will be affected by the new habit of surfing the social web. While it has already become a norm to check for updates on social media constantly, it is important to remember that everything comes with its pros and cons. Social media has certainly affected people in both negative and positive ways.

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 When speaking about the negative impacts of social media, FOMO, an acronym for the “fear of missing out”, is what most people come to mind first. FOMO is a slang created due to feeling excluded in interesting events shown on social media. By scrolling through the apps, individuals effortlessly expose themselves to the thrilling moments unfolding in other people’s lives. For instance, someone might feel uneasy when all his or her peers are at an enjoyable party while they are left at home alone. This phenomenon leads to another negative aspect of social media: constant comparison with peers. Although having a slight amount of pressure may encourage people to achieve their goals, it is difficult to strike a balance between motivation and envy. What’s more, experiencing too much of these negative emotions may lead to mental and health issues. To conclude, there is no denying that social media has its unappealing side by making interpersonal relationships with others worse and making oneself feel inferior.

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Despite the harm caused by social media, it is important to recognize the positive aspects it offers. One of the benefits is that social media serves as a digital bridge, allowing individuals to connect with relatives and friends who may be miles away. Whether it is about sharing life updates, rekindling memories or just some simple everyday message, the joy of getting connections through the platforms is truly invaluable. Thanks to the accessibility of social media, the ability to keep our loved ones close is greatly enhanced.

 

The other benefit of social media is its ability to bring attention to important issues and simplify life for underprivileged individuals. Social media raises awareness to the public quickly as it spreads information fast. There is one example in Taiwan that is worth mentioning. A ninety-year-old grandma sells flowers near Zhongshan metro station. No matter how terrible the weather is, she would be at the same spot daily since she has to pay rent and also take care of her ninety-three-year-old husband. After a content creator reported the situation of the flower lady, her flowers could be sold out every day, resulting from Instagram’s algorithm. The delightfulness of these two effects can truly prove that the bright side of social media exists.

 

Social media surely has its positive and negative influences on people’s lives. In order to maintain a healthy interpersonal relationship, it is important for individuals to navigate through the effects that are multifaceted. By using social media, people might experience FOMO and feel envious, yet the warmth of keeping loved ones in touch and giving underprivileged individuals a better life are advantages that can’t be ignored. Ultimately, whether the usage of social media is more on a positive or negative side depends on one’s mindset.