INTRODUCTION

In 1997, the FIRST social media platform, Six Degrees, was launched. Since then, social media has EVOLVED massively and as of now, 60% of MANKIND uses it!! It's not a joke, IS IT?? Over the years, social media has had an UNDENIABLY heavy impact on "THE WHOLE ENCHILADA".

BOONS

Social media may be a CONFLICTING topic, but there are some INDISPUTABLE positives this technology has brought to us. Let's look at the ESSENCE that allows humanity to TRANSCEND the thousands of years of progression we have made before, the CORE of all our knowledge, our STRENGTH.

Connections- We are eight BILLION altogether (ALREADY?!).  The world is a DIVERSE place, with an assortment of people living around the GLOVE, spread out, seeking different lands and OPPORTUNITIES. How many people had to battle the sorrow of leaving their loved ones behind? How many people were ROOTED to their homelands because of the people in their lives? The various social media platforms: Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram- these platforms along with many others are the KEY. The world has evolved to the point where anybody anywhere can interact with ANYBODY else, anywhere else within this bustling planet. One never feels far away from family and friends and with each CONNECTION new paths are paved and relationships starts to bloom.

Other positives that carry just as much WEIGHT include: M.E.D.I.A: Money- social media has opened up many different options, to earn a living. Elevation- humans are reaching new HEIGHTS faster than ever. Demonstration- social media is a GUIDE for millions of people aspiring to achieve their goals. Intelligence- we have a WEALTH of knowledge at our fingertips. Ability- social media bestows upon us the POWERS to do what our ancestors have never DREAMED of and will surely be PROUD of us!

BANES

Boons come with banes... of course they do!

RESEARCH in late 2020 shows that 64% (nearly two thirds) of Americans say social media has had a NEGATIVE impact on the way things are going in their country, and there are many points to back that up.

Impact on Mental Health: HEAVY social media use has lead to INCREASED anxiety, depression, loneliness and even self-harm, especially amongst the young.

Addictive: When we forget what social media is MEANT to be for, and use it beyond necessity, we MISS out on time with loved ones, feel lonely, procrastinate and increased the RISK of meeting Cyber CRIMINALS.

OVERVIEW

Social media has brought a PLETHORA of both good and bad into this world. When used sensibly, we can do incredible things and achieve our FULL potential. When used irresponsibly- the downbeats of social media GRASP us and lead to the split CONFLICT between whether social media is a SPARKLING hope for the future or a DULL descent into darkness - it is when the bad outweighs the good problems start to arise. Isn't the above food for a thought???

Let's make our choices wisely!

Thank you for reading - by Abir Gupta (age 12)