As a business, if you aren’t using social media, you’re missing out. With 64.4% of the global population being on social media, social media marketing gives you an excellent opportunity to grow your business. Social media is also a useful communication and educational tool.
However, despite the numerous benefits of social media, it also has its limitations. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of social media marketing? This article sheds light on the pros and cons of social media in an effort to help you structure your social media activities beneficially
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What are the advantages of social media is a common question we get from our online community members. Undoubtedly, social media has lots of positive effects on both businesses and individuals. Let’s now look at some of the social media advantages that are worth noting.
One of the notable social media benefits is its ability to reach a large audience. Research shows that an estimated 4.48 billion people use social media globally. This means that businesses and individuals can now make global connections thanks to social media.
If you’re looking to increase your social media reach, you can start by sharing great content. Being active on social networks is another way you can use to get the attention of new social media users. In addition to using the above strategies, here are more ways you can use to enhance your reach on social media
A broadly recognizable advantage of social media is that it enables people from all over the world to communicate. Before the advent of social networks, we were restricted from connecting with those we knew. But thanks to social media, we can now create global connections and share our thoughts with a bigger audience.
Besides, it’s now possible for one to join online communities of people who share one’s interests and values. One can also use social networks such as Twitter and LinkedIn to communicate with friends or loved ones who may be far away.
Social media has also helped create awareness of what is happening globally. For brands, social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram have made it easier to reach customers irrespective of their geographical locations.
In addition to influencing how we communicate and do business, social networks have also influenced how we learn. Social media is a great source of educational materials and ideas. Most of the ideas on social networking sites are presented in a way that excites and makes sense to students. For instance, there are many professors, lecturers, instructors, and experts on YouTube that share valuable information on their area of expertise.
Further, social media brings together educators and learners as students who want to connect and follow professionals in different fields can now do so thanks to social media accounts. Besides, social networking sites provide an open and collaborative environment that encourages learning. For instance, learners can share posts and information with other students.
Examples of some of the social media platforms that can be used as learning tools include:
This section gives you answers to the question, what are the disadvantages of social media? While considering social media an important tool for business, communication, and education, it’s also important to note that it has several disadvantages as explained below.
Bullying has been made much easier by social networking sites as bullies are now able to use fake social media accounts which are untraceable. Such bullies send derogatory videos, photos, and messages to their victims.
Unfortunately, people who are cyberbullied experience stress, anxiety, and depression. Cyberbullying has also led some victims to attempt suicide, while others have quit social media for good. In extreme cases, some people have taken their own lives due to cyberbullying.
People who are at risk of being cyberbullied include teens and children. Here are a few tips you can use to protect yourself from social media bullies:
When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of social media in healthcare, no list would be complete without mentioning social media addiction as one of the disadvantages. According to research, an estimated 5 to 10% of Americans suffer from social media addiction.
Social media addiction is characterized by excessive or compulsive use of social networks such that it impairs other important areas of the person’s life. The effect is that these people are cut off from the natural world and don’t want to be part of what is going on in their society.
According to past studies, the constant social media likes, tweets, re-tweets, and shares are the ones responsible for the addictive nature of social media as they trigger the same chemical reaction as what is triggered by gambling and harmful drugs. The effect is that the person keeps interacting with the social media channels in an effort to get more likes and shares.
But what can you do if you’re addicted to social media? Here are a few helpful tips:
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is an attachment to social media that causes negative experiences such as lack of sleep, anxiety, and emotional tension. FOMO is a fear or perception that others are having fun and living better lives or doing more interesting things while you are missing out. FOMO also refers to the excessive need to connect with others and to check what one’s friends are doing.
Social networking sites aggravate feelings of FOMO as users often post their best experiences. The effects of FOMO are devastating as it causes the person to feel isolated and to experience social anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
If social media use has taken a toll on you and you’re experiencing FOMO, here’s what you can do:
Hopefully, now you’re well informed on the advantages and disadvantages of social media for students, individuals, and businesses. Remember, if you’re battling any of the explained social media negative effects, the mentioned tips can help you create a healthy relationship with social media sites.