In the age of technology, new ways to communicate continue to revolutionize how we interact with one another. One such form of new-age communication is social media, which, according to Maryville University, has been on the rise since the early 2000s.

Dominated by sites like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, social media has both good and bad influence over all of our lives. Thus, while using social media has its disadvantages, it also has its advantages.

1. Keeping up with news

Social media can be great a way to keep up with news on a basic level. From hard news to soft news to even just drama, social media has a place for all three. With social media platforms being used by news outlets, politicians, and celebrities alike, social media can also be used as a source of information.

2. Checking others’ politics

Social media can also be used as a way to stay safe when meeting new people. Simply scrolling through someone’s likes and/or retweets allows you to see who they support and who they don’t support. Bad apples are the reality of socializing, both online and offline— checking someone’s socials can help you figure out if someone is racist, anti-LGBTQ+, et cetera. Additionally, social media lets you see how someone presents themselves online, giving you an insight into how they may present themselves in-person. In fact, most workplaces will check your socials themselves during the hiring process. Thus, social media can be used as a safety mechanism for anyone who is on it.

3. Staying connected

With the rise of messaging sites and apps, communication has evolved since the letter and the telephone. Nowadays, social media is the main way to stay connected with others. Whether it be with friends or family, social media can also be a way to stay connected to your loved ones— a welcome aspect of social media during the pandemic.

4. Educating yourself and others

When cross-referencing sources of information, social media can serve as an alternative in terms of accessibility. With sites like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube information can now be found in places both online and offline. While the same can be said about misinformation, the ever-expanding range of resources online allows for more control over said misinformation.

In this day and age, it is impossible to separate your life from either social media or the Internet. With balance, social media can be your ally as much as it can be your enemy.