Ever since internet’s creation, the question of connecting people together through a shared network became the main point of interested. First with mails and simple message webpages, then came social medias in the late 90’s to the early 2000’s. As it became more mainstream, people started questioning underlying issues about their use. While these platforms can provide non-negligeable advantages, many believe that it can impact negatively someone’s life. Can these obvious drawbacks be overlooked to the profit of its benefits?
As the userbase of a social media grows, more content gets shared, attracting even more people. This virtuous cycle allows the spread and access of worldwide knowledge. With the presence of scholars, websites like X (formerly known as Twitter) can become scientific hubs for research, where people communicate new discoveries and collaborations. On the other end of the spectrum, this frontier free connection also permits the creation of international relationships; people with the same interests connect with each other, creating friendships like never we’ve never seen before.
However, this barrier free communication comes at a price. Shyer people can focus on internet-based relationships, and start isolating themselves from the outer world. This phenomenon as been seen in countries like Japan, with the cases of so called “hikikomori”, people of all ages completely cutting ties with the real world, living in their bedrooms with little to absolutely no outside communication. This addiction is also seen in other countries; dangerous forums like 4Chan started to emerge in the USA, where users harassed other communities for the sole sake of hate.
In conclusion, I believe that social medias are a great tool, allowing for similar minds to connect, collaborate, and explore new fields. Artists, researchers and everyday people are able to merge themselves into a melting-pot of information with the creation of long-lasting friendships, social media platforms are here to stay and last. Though, their uses need to be controlled on a micro level, with each user reminding themselves that it is only a tool, and not something defining their whole life.