The Reasons we Have Social Media

     In my latest posts, i have continuously mentioned the negative effects of social media, with only mentioning a few positive. There are reasons why we all chose to continue to use each app when we say we won't or also say there is no point. Although a portion of social media that is useless, and another for entertainment, but there is also a portion that creates awareness, allows people to share their story, or is for a good cause. I looked through both Twitter and Instagram to search for reasons why I believe social media has become an important aspect to our society.

     One example is an Instagram account called "Humans of New York." This account has been active for a few years and has gained five point two million followers. I remember in eight grade i followed this account when it only has thousands of followers (I say only in comparison to the huge amount it has now). It was an account where a man goes around New York and interviews people, he asks them for a story. Now it has become something much larger. It has brought awareness to people in several different situations, they are able to share their story or their thoughts on a problem occurring in the world today. I believe this is one of the most positive aspects about social media. Millions of people are able to connect through just one account. Not only is it inspirational, but it has made me more aware to problems that people go through that i would have never considered. This one account, in my opinion, has created another purpose for social media.
     This year, as i mentioned in an earlier post, politics have become very involved with social media. I do not know if this is more positive or negative, but is definitely has given another purpose for media across the country and world. Politicians this year have been trying to post or tweet problems they deal with in a limited amount of characters. Most people would consider this negative, as a group of people has begun to get the only facts they know from social media. In my opinion, this is better than knowing nothing. Some people are not in an area where politics isn't something they are informed about often, so now people are able to learn more from accounts on instagram or twitter. I know this sounds bad, as over the media certain politicians are favored more, but at least it gives a large group of people the opportunity to become more informed. It is the same as watching Fox News, as there seems to be many opinions and attitudes towards certain politicians made.  Politics has become another aspect of social media that in some ways, could be considered positive. It has given a more important purpose to media.
     Across media, there are many negative posts but also positive. Many accounts or even viral hashtags have brought awareness and informed people of problems in the world. Accounts such as the feminist account, the world peace accounts (World Peace Foundation), SOF social good, UN women, and MIGS are the reason i believe social media has a meaning, a purpose. I believe there will always be the positive and negative in something, and media is one of these things. There are several bad things in every form of media, but also the good, and that is what we should all try to focus on, rather than favoring or liking that one post insulting something or someone.