Social media refers to the apps and websites that facilitate social networking through sharing content such as pictures and videos. One can create content then share through different platforms. It is internet based, and it transmits data in seconds. It is now easy to share ideas, personal messages, and information. Examples of social media networks are Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Messenger, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Social media has come with a lot of advantages that we didn’t enjoy decades ago. Before, we relied on television, radio, and newspapers to pass information and ideas. They were unreliable since they were edited and conveyed in a particular time during the week. The media stations, which are mostly state-owned, did not give the variety and broadness in content. They have a schedule of how the programs are lined up.

Secondly, social media has become an avenue for companies to market their brands. Both new and old companies can now target a particular market and market extensively. Corporate companies can introduce their new brands to their long term clients, (Boslet 57). Both the young and the old are on social media and to get more sales, companies need to continually remind their customers. For new products in the market, social media provides a cheap means of getting the word out to friends and families. Since the results and impact are instant, most business people find it to be a haven for product introduction. When a seller has many followers, they can sensitize them about a new idea or service that they can access.

With a third of seven billion people on earth on social media, the sites have an advantage in terms of convincing buyers about a product. According to Kelleher, Facebook is visited by 2 billion people a month. The company is now the third largest company in the world and currently valued at 541 billion dollars.

However, with all the good, there are disadvantages to social media. One downside is that there has been lots of false advertising that dents the reputation of other well-organized companies. It is even not advisable to purchase anything you see on the internet because the chances are that it is not the replica picture. Many of the products advertised are edited and made to look appealing to the eye.

When the product reaches the customer, they are typically disappointed. Many clients have lost their hard-earned capital because they have trusted the people on social media sites. For example, a buyer purchased a house online for his retirement. The house has a compound, lovely garden, spacious living room, and even top-notch interior designs. After purchase, the seller delivers a stylish dog house that fits at the back of a pickup truck.

The laws governing social media haven’t been of help to safeguard purchasers. The large corporations can easily fight themselves out of false advertising. Politically, social media has been used to taint the names of innocent people. It has been an avenue of spreading propaganda and malice for selfish gains. Anyone can create an account for free, post pictures of someone else as themselves, ask for money from people who know the person described or solicit bribes to unsuspecting individuals. On YouTube, there have been documentaries with ABC Australia on how Ghanaians youth scam old or divorced women with fake social media accounts. Unknowingly, the women end up selling drugs or sending their money.

Another downside of the internet is that it can ruin a company’s reputation in minutes. A company can use millions of dollars to achieve a good rapport only to be disregarded by a few disgruntled customers. A case in point is the American airline United. After a misunderstanding with one of its clients, and not reaching an agreement in court, the client decided to release a song on YouTube to explain what happened and to shame the airline. With 18 million views, the video is a sensation and a dent to the airline’s credentials. The airline was finally forced to apologize for breaking the traveler’s guitar.

Cyberbullying is also on the rise, and there hasn’t been enough awareness to discourage the perpetrators. The laws on cyberbullying isn’t functional in most countries. Most young children have to face the trauma of stress and depression from bad comments made by ‘Haters.’  There is a lot to be done to improve this problem since there have been reported cases of suicide, (Chapin 14)

The internet is a new way of interacting, and with it, there are many advantages as compared to disadvantages. Topics that were considered taboo are now on the front page to name and shame the perpetrators. The internet is a free online tool that gives a voice to the voiceless. Many companies are careful not to start a revolution against their products. The employees and managers are advised to improve customer service to their customers. The companies also cannot mistreat their employees or in bad working environments thanks to social sites that rate them.

In conclusion, all users of the internet should be taught on the Dos and Don’ts during an interaction. Users should be polite and respectful. They should post positive comments and statuses. Even when disagreeing, the user should politely decline a product or idea without cursing. It is also essential to demystify any wrong information being peddled. This to stop the false information from snowballing and becoming one big lie. Sharing of information has more advantages than disadvantages. The world has become a global village with diverse cultures that understands and appreciates other people’s background and heritage, (Obar 34)

Works cited

ABC News Australia. Meet the scammers breaking hearts and stealing billions online. Four Corners, 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4kCN7TZ6us

Bosslet, Gregory. “The Good the bad and the ugly.” Academics Emergency Medicine, web 1221

Carrol, Dave. United Breaks Guitars. Published on July 06 2009.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

Chapin John. “Adolescents and cyberbullying: The precaution adoption process model”. Education and Information Technologies. 21 (4)

Kelleher, Bob. Social Media Impact on Your brand.The good the bad and the ugly. New York. 2009

Obar, Jonathan , Wildman Steve. “Social media definition and the governance challenge: An introduction to the special issue” Telecommunications policy 39, 745-750

Do you need high quality Custom Essay Writing Services?