How Is Social Media Beneficial

Imagine the hurt when someone 's best friend moves away and they both know they are unable to see or speak to each other again. Without social media, that used to happen all the time. In spite of the negative rap social media often receives, it is hard to overlook the benefits. Studies have shown that positive interactions on social media can boost youth’s confidence. It has also enabled charities to spread their messages and small businesses to expand their customer base. Social media has been a powerful connector of people from all areas of the globe and all walks of life. Some people see social media as an invasion of privacy but in reality that is all within their control. Social media is a resourceful tool that can help young people to

On social media, users can be anonymous and with that people who tend to be shy can speak and have their voice be heard. They feel more comfortable sharing opinions because they think no one knows it is them. This can slowly boost their confidence so instead of only speaking online, they will become more comfortable talking with their peers in person and in school. Social media gives people a voice. They can share their opinions, work and most anything they want online to have their perspective told. Some feel more open to leaving comments and maybe even “find themselves” online. Maybe they have a hilarious online personality, but hardly speak in person. Being anonymous online gives them the freedom and space to become who they want to be. Another way it helps build confidence, is through sites like Instagram and Facebook. These sites allow personal photos and videos to be posted. “In the Ideal to Real TODAY/AOL Body Image survey, teenage girls revealed something unexpected: 65 percent said seeing their selfies on social media actually boosts their confidence. And 40 percent of all teens say social media helps "me present my best face to the world"”(Dahl, 1). Positive comments, likes, and compliments on a photo can boost the confidence of the person that posted it. Everyone wants to know that they are liked and social media

Businesses and charities have benefitted as well. Social media is a great tool that allows ideas to spread quickly and be shared with anyone and everyone. That means charities now have easy access to educate and spread awareness on their cause. One main challenge trending the media for awhile was the ALS ice bucket challenge. The ice bucket challenge was where people would challenge each other to either donate one hundred dollars or donate ten dollars and have to pour ice cold water on their heads and post their video. Even if they didn’t donate the hundred dollars, they were spreading awareness and contributing. “The ALS Association is an American nonprofit organization that raises money for research and patient services, promotes awareness about and advocates in state and federal government on issues related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig 's disease” (Wikipedia, 1). Since the cause spread across social media, they were able to raise over a hundred million dollars and spread awareness of the disease itself. The ALS Challenge is a clear example of how a charity has positively used social media to further their