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Sasna Nawran (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

We are living in a society controlled by social media and mobile technology. Social media has fundamentally changed the way we interact, communicate and share information in our daily lives. Millions of people use social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn worldwide. 

By facilitating quicker and simpler communication, social media has had a huge impact on every aspect of our lives, including politics, global culture, innovations, commerce and education. This article discusses the positive and negative impacts of social media on society and how to mitigate the negative effects. 

Positive Effects of Social Media on Nations

According to the research, one in every five adults in the United States gets their political news from social media. Citizens can use social media to voice their opinions on political systems, engage in political debates and participate in civic activities. This helps people to participate in their communities and have their voices heard. It ensures that people have a say in politics. In general, this is beneficial to democracy.

People can now easily stay updated about what is going on in their country and around the world, thanks to social media. Social media platforms are used to share news, information and opinions, which can aid in raising awareness about important issues.

People from various backgrounds can also engage and share their thoughts and opinions on social media. This might make people more accommodating of different points of view, races and beliefs. It could foster mutual regard for one another. People might learn to see a subject from new perspectives and to think differently. Virtual social media groups also assist underprivileged groups and minorities in discussing and resolving their issues.

Students throughout the world benefit from educational videos, ebooks and courses available on social media. It serves as a learning platform for them to enhance their skills and capabilities. Employers can quickly reach out to potential job searchers via social media. Collaboration among researchers from various countries results in enhanced scientific and technological innovation. 

Social media has opened up a new way of business through digital marketing, increasing long-distance business opportunities. Social media marketing has evolved into an effective means of reaching out to potential clients for businesses of all sizes.

Negative Effects of Social Media on Nations

One of the main downsides of social media is the spread of false information and fake news. This can lead to confusion and mistrust among citizens, impacting democracy negatively. This can be avoided by obtaining information from reliable sources, viewing posts with caution and double-checking claims before sharing them with others. 

Social media has also been used as a platform for cyberbullying. As a result, there has been an upsurge in incidents of depression, anxiety and suicide among young people. Cyberbullying can be avoided by using privacy settings to your advantage and keeping important information hidden. If a person believes they are being cyberbullied, they should speak with a parent, close friend or trusted adult. They can also seek professional assistance through their home country’s helpline.

Another unfavorable issue that people confront is social media addiction. Overuse of social media can result in mental illnesses, social isolation and sleep issues. Setting time restrictions for social media usage, avoiding triggers that drive us to use social media, engaging in screen-out activities and engaging in outdoor activities can all help to curb social media addiction. 

Social media allows us to easily compare ourselves to others. This leads to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of confidence. If any social media page makes you feel negative and demotivated, click the unfollow button. Follow people and brands who make you feel good, and who encourage, inspire and promote positivity instead. Remember that each of us has our own journey and time. 

In conclusion, social media has had both positive and negative effects on nations. While it has provided new opportunities for communication, civic engagement and economic growth, social media has also contributed to the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying and increased mental disorders. 

I think most of the negative effects of social media can be overcome by using it responsibly, promoting digital literacy and seeking support when needed. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of social media without compromising our mental health or well-being.

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