With the rapid proliferation of social media platforms, a school of thought has suggested that this digital leap poses more deleterious risks rather than yielding any favourable outcomes for individuals and society. I am wholeheartedly opposed to this notion.
Granted, the appeal of social media might subject people, especially those who are emotionally vulnerable and impressionable, to a myriad of psychological issues, potentially imperilling the societal fabric. In this day and age, the “so-called” Gen Z celebrities and idols have emerged on online platforms, and countless individuals of all ages, sometimes even described as social fanatics, regard these recreational factors as an indispensable part of their daily life. A poignant illustration of this insidious problem is parasocial relationships established on social media by the fans of a renowned figure, in which that famous person does not even know the very existence of their frantic lovers. These fans love, admire, and are likely to dedicate their whole lives to that virtual affection, although they might already be aware of their unknown online existence, and would dare to express themselves in a socially awkward way after seeing sensationalised posts centring around their idols. Through this instance, social media seems to perpetuate the issue of excessive idolization and therefore culminates in soaring levels of psychological distress among internet users, indirectly jeopardising social development in the long run.
However, the said challenge posed by the use of social media is by no means insurmountable, particularly since global governments have launched widespread public awareness-raising campaigns. Such initiatives equip individuals with essential media literacy and help them recognise the utmost importance of real-world interactions and relationships, thereby mitigating the risks of the aforementioned extreme fan culture to a strong degree.
With this in mind, I am resolutely convinced that social media is ultimately conducive to one’s personal life and, more importantly, the sustainable development of the community. For people struggling with their hectic schedules, browsing online could pave the way for them to socialise and stay updated on current affairs, helping them make time for their academic or professional priorities without significantly narrowing their social networks. Likewise, those facing constant stress or suffering from mental health issues in real-world settings could vent their negative emotions through posts on platforms such as Facebook or X, which might also open doors to establishing rapport with people sharing the same problems, and they can together overcome the hardships. Personal aspects aside, social cohesion will be effectively safeguarded if the general public lives a productive and socially satisfied life, primarily thanks to the advent of social media.
In conclusion, social media platforms indeed have their downsides, which are, most strikingly, psychology-related problems. That said, I maintain that such disadvantages undeniably pale in comparison with the advantages of social media, such as online connections with other people, instantaneous access to news, and being an ideal mental reset for many, ultimately facilitating long-term personal and social development.