In June of 2014, Facebook hit 1.32 billion monthly active users. This means that one in seven people on the planet have access to one of the most popular social networking sites... ever. The constant use of social media has increased a lot over time, causing positive and negative effects, one being an effect on academic skills. As social media has become more and more popular, society as a whole has drastically changed. The use of social media grew because it fulfilled a purpose that most people needed. This purpose was an easily accessible flow of information and a connection to others around the globe. What began as a small account on Friendster, an early social networking site, escalated to what is now a major part of many people’s lives today (Digital Trends, 2014). Hank Smith, a public speaker, tells the story of his grandma. This woman had told him of her amazing memories of her family and friends before they had …show more content…
It provides easy communication, a flow of information, and a sense of stability. Using social media, people can connect and communicate with others easily and more intimately, or personally. For many, it is much more difficult to share thoughts and feelings with somebody in person rather than say the same things to a screen (Nakaya, 2014). Social Media also provides an easy flow of information, one that most people have instant access to. In 2011, a Facebook page was made against government corruption in Egypt. After only three months over 250,00 people had joined the cause. The page raised awareness, and protests were organized. After seven months, the corrupt government was overthrown (Nakaya, 2014). As people connect with others on the internet, they can support each other’s beliefs. This provides encouragement for everyone and gives people the feeling of being a part of something, or a bigger group of people with a cause (Cook, 2011). Social media has many positive effects on