Do you find the benefits that social media has provided to be astounding? I know I am! I never thought that a few clicks and swiped on my smartphone, could change my life. At first, I was also hesitant to create my account because I’d heard a lot of rumors about its negative effects.
But once I started exploring different social media platforms, I realized that the benefits of social media far outweigh these drawbacks. In other words, social media is really beneficial.
Let’s get to it.
1. Allows for Instant and Easy Communication
Have you ever tried that you want to get in touch with someone quickly but you don’t have their number or any email address? That feeling is quite frustrating but thanks to the development of social media platforms because it has largely eliminated that problem.
There are platforms like Facebook Messenger and Twitter DMs, that have the ability to communicate with anyone easily and in an instant.
In my experience, I’ve had countless experiences with social media where it helped me to communicate with others in a way that I thought would be impossible.
I traveled to a distant nation without a tourist guide a few years back. I was having difficulty locating my destination. But, fortunately, I have a buddy who works in that nation, and I was able to contact him via social media.
He became my tourist guide and he took me to places that were so amazing. He also brought me to a delicious restaurant. Without social media, I’m not sure what I would have done!
The instant and easy communication of social media has opened up a world of possibilities that we couldn’t have even imagined just a few decades ago.
2. A Great Tool for Networking
I recall being absolutely out of my element when I once went to a networking event in our city. I was already expecting that because I’m an introvert since I was a kid.
When social media platforms were developed, I was very thankful because they became a powerful tool for networking that can be used from the comfort of my home. Not only myself, but I’m sure a lot of other people are grateful.
Social media’s ability to link users with others from any sector regardless of geography is one of its main benefits.
People who work in digital marketing, for instance, link prospective customers from various regions of the world. They can use Facebook and LinkedIn as resources.
They never imagined that these relationships would result in so many commercial prospects, alliances, and even friendships.
There are times when it’s difficult to stand out in an online space but with persistence and creativity, social media can be a powerful tool for networking.
3. A Source of Entertainment
Because the majority of users nowadays utilize social media as a source of amusement, this is another fantastic benefit of it.
For more than a decade, social media was a great source of entertainment whether you’re scrolling through Facebook or checking the latest viral videos on TikTok. Social media can really provide something for everyone.
I always love to use social media especially when I’m stressed at work since this is my way to unwind after a long day.
I’ll often spend my time scrolling through Instagram checking out the latest post of my idols. I also love to watch workout videos on Youtube because I’m a big fan of fitness.
These little moments of entertainment that I spend on social media can really help me relax and recharge. This is my way to take my mind off whatever stressors I’m dealing with.
But we must remember that it’s important to use social media in moderation and to be mindful of what types of content you consume. It’s not healthy anymore if you get stuck in a never-ending spiral of negativity on social media.
4. Provides Information and Up-To-Date News
Users adore social media platforms nowadays because they provide them access to a plethora of knowledge and the most recent news. Obtaining current news and information in the past was significantly slower and more difficult.
Prior to the rise of the internet and social media, people relied on traditional news like television, radio, and newspaper just to stay informed. These traditional sources of news and information had their limitations such as time constraints and strict schedules.
People nowadays rely significantly on social media to be updated about current events and concerns. What users do is follow news pages and journalists so that it will allow them to access a wealth of information that they can’t find elsewhere.
Real-time updates are something I really like about social media when it comes to delivering information and the most recent news.
To assist others stay safe, many individuals, for instance, are using social media to communicate details on road closures, evacuation orders, and other crucial information.
We just need to be mindful of the sources and accuracy of the information we consume so that we don’t fall into the trap of misinformation.
5. It Can be Used for Awareness and Advocacy
I believe that one of social media’s most potent advantages is its capacity to foster activism and increase awareness for a range of causes.
With a click of a button, people can share information with their followers that spread an important issue and spark conversations. The information that they share whether it’s an awareness or advocacy can lead to a real change.
I’ve seen a lot of people on social media raising advocacy and awareness. I saw one video post on Facebook sharing a video about climate change. Those are the organizations who are concerned with our environment and they’re doing it for several years already.
There is also fundraising for local charities for those children who are suffering from poverty and hunger.
With those posts, I’ve found social media as a powerful tool to get our messages out there in public. Social media platforms can really give individuals the confidence they need to act and change the world.
6. Provides Opportunities for Self-Learning and Skills Development
It’s so cool how social media platforms today provide opportunities for self-learning and skills development to the point that you don’t need to go to school anymore just to learn the basics. The learning is so endless that it can really help you grow.
Whether you’re interested in coding, cooking, and graphic design, there are countless communities on social media that can help you. You don’t need to worry because there are also experts out there like a chef or an IT expert.
I’ve used social media platforms how many times when it comes to learning and skills development.
For example, during my college days, there are times when I’m not comfortable with how our professor taught the lesson. What I usually do is search for the topic on Youtube to better understand it.
I also joined Facebook groups that focused on the topics that interest me. To be honest with you, I’ve learned so much from the conversations and resources that were shared there. I’ve seen other users also follow experts and influencers on social media and they try to reach out to them.
7. It Can be Your Support Group
Next on the list is the most valuable benefit of social media because of its potential to be your support group. Social networking platforms may now connect you with individuals who share your interests, hobbies, or challenges. Those people will then serve as your support group.
There are already a lot of social media users who utilize social media as their support group during difficult times.
There are people who are dealing with a personal crisis or just feeling down, then they turn to social media communities for words of encouragement. They love to hear advice from people who offer a listening ear.
If you’re struggling with mental health problems or you just need someone to talk to, there are organizations and communities on social media that provide the guidance that you need.
But social media isn’t a place during tough times, it can also be a place to celebrate your success such as a promotion or you passed the exam. You will be able to interact with people and obtain good comments from them thanks to the platform.
8. A Fantastic Tool for Finding Romantic Partners
Are you weary of looking for a love companion the conventional way? Well, look no further because social media sites today are a fantastic tool for looking for a serious partner.
Dating apps and websites are already becoming popular because there are a lot of single people in this world who are looking for a potential partner. Social media allows them to filter through countless profiles and once they match, they can easily chat with each other.
I have a friend who met her now husband on Facebook dating and they are very happy together.
They both had busy schedules because of their work and didn’t have any time to attend social events or go on traditional dates. But, they are very thankful for social media because they were able to build their relationship.
Social media sites allow us to expand our dating pool beyond our immediate geographic location. If you are looking for a serious foreign partner, it still would be easy with the help of social media.
Social media is very beneficial because we are now able to find our soulmates halfway across the globe.
9. It Made the World a Smaller Place
Social media also contributed to a smaller globe by changing how people communicate and engage with one another.
This became possible with the use of hashtags because it allows users to join conversations with people who are also into that topic regardless of location.
If someone is interested in photography, they may use hashtags on the search bar. They can use #photooftheday to know what images are trending or what other photographers published.
This can assist them to broaden their network and connect with individuals they might not have met otherwise.
Another way that social media has made the world a smaller place is the capacity to sell items on a worldwide scale.
Small businesses may now offer their products or services to clients all over the world via social media, eliminating the necessity for a physical presence. Instagram and Facebook have become more crucial tools for businesses to market their goods, draw in a broader audience, and increase sales.
Final Thoughts
So now, we have read and learned how beneficial social media is in our lives. I know there are a lot more benefits out there that you have experienced but I can’t mention them all because there are just too many.
I believe that additional social media platforms will be launched in the future. There will also be an increase in users as the next generation becomes more interested in technology.
I’m very sure that social media is here to stay for a very long time. Who knows what new benefits will social media bring in the years to come? We need to expect more benefits in the years to come because technology is always evolving.
