Staying in touch with others can be a good thing. The original meaning and purpose of social networks is quite promising.  At the same time, social media also have disadvantages that users should always keep in mind.

Benefits of social media

Keeping in touch is easy

You can talk to friends and family around the world in real-time, easily and mostly for free. Programs like Skype, Facetime, Google Meet or WhatsApp make it possible. All you need is an internet camera on your computer or a smartphone.

Connect quickly with social networks

If you move to another city or your friends live further away, you can make new contacts through social media. In countless groups and communities, you will certainly find nice acquaintances.

Revive stale friendships

On social networks, you can just type in names and find old-school friends. The barrier to texting someone you haven’t had contact with for a long time is much lower than calling them.

Get lots of opinions online

Discussing in forums can be helpful or beneficial in many situations in life. If you have a question about a certain topic, you can ask several people at the same time and get complex opinions.

Live out your creativity in social networks

Another advantage of social media is that you can let off steam there and upload your own content. You can upload videos yourself and share them with others. This not only shows your creativity but also allows you to build your own community.

Disadvantages of social media

Being online means living more transparently

If you are often on the go on social networks, you also leave many traces. Everyone can take part in your life if you are available at all times. Sometimes, they learn more about you than you may realize.

Control is lost

Unfortunately, you cannot trace exactly where you are leaving your tracks. Therefore, you do not know who might be able to use this information to your detriment.

Cyberbullying is a serious problem

Depending on the contacts you engage within social media, you may experience insults, verbal abuse, or pushy behaviour. In that case, be sure to take a screenshot, i.e. photograph the page to secure evidence and take action against the bully. Entries on the Internet can be made invisible, but not deleted.