Social Media Communication and Friendship Essay

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At the present stage of development, the modern world is characterized by the influence of social media: they have become an integral part of people’s everyday lives. As a result, the way people communicate and interact is now different from what it used to be. In other words, the dynamics are different. Konnikova refers to the research conducted by Dunbar and informs that “The amount of social capital you have is pretty fixed” (238). It means that the number of individuals a person can meet and associate with is limited. In the context of social media, the essence of communication is new, and the question is how people will develop their social skills in these circumstances. According to Maria Konnikova, social media have altered the authenticity of relationships: the world where virtual interactions are predominant is likely to change the next generation in terms of the ability to develop full social awareness in the context of real-life communication and interact online.

Initially, communication among people demanded the cultivation of relationships face to face. One cannot have unlimited contacts. The studies demonstrate that “the number of people the average could have in her social group was a hundred and fifty” (Konnikova 236). It is the nature of a human being that makes them include approximately 150 persons in their social circle. The number of people who may be invited to a large party exemplifies this characteristic. The author argues that early childhood experiences form future social relationships and interactions. This idea seems relevant to any society: people’s background prescribes a certain model of social behavior that will be used in adulthood. To put it bluntly, children translate their real-life experience into their future.

However, in the context of social media, the situation is different. One of the most important features is the lack of touching. According to the research, it plays a significant role for human beings since it provokes emotions directly connected with communication (Konnikova 239). Deprived of touching, a person interacts in a different way. Social media give the opportunity to exchange facts, but they cannot provide tactile perception. As a result, they cannot replace the face to face full communication. People do not communicate in the usual way: they do not obtain most of the non-verbal information even if they use, for instance, video. Something is always missing. The author conveys the idea that communication almost equals to guesstimation. It is unknown how the next generation will communicate face to face: the level of social awareness is likely to decrease.

Apart from the different contents of communication, social media also enlarge people’s circle of acquaintances. The number of contacts rises dramatically. A human being contacts not only with persons from the same city but also from all over the world – there are no barriers. However, the majority of these people are not friends or relatives. The author gives an objective assessment of these social networks. Facebook “allows you to keep track of people who would otherwise effectively disappear” (Konnikova 237).

To sum it up, social media have changed human interaction to a large extent. The way people view their partners in real-life differs from communication within online settings. What the future holds is not clear, but Maria Konnikova attempts to analyze the current tendencies and arrives at the conclusion that people may become less communicative in terms of face to face interaction. Taking into account the present-day environment, online friends will probably continue to be more important for people than their real-life fellows.

Works Cited

Konnikova, Maria. “The Limits of Friendship.” Emerging: Contemporary Readings for Writers . Ed. Barclay Barrios. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015. 236-239. Print.

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  • Teens, Technology and Friendships
  • Chapter 4: Social Media and Friendships

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1: Meeting, Hanging Out and Staying in Touch: The Role of Digital Technology in Teen Friendships
  • Chapter 2: How Teens Hang Out and Stay in Touch With Their Closest Friends
  • Chapter 3: Video Games Are Key Elements in Friendships for Many Boys
  • Chapter 5: Conflict, Friendships and Technology
  • About This Report

Given the thorough integration of social media into the lives of the majority of American teens, it is no surprise that these sites play an important role in the establishment of friendships and the everyday back and forth of peer relationships. This chapter takes an in-depth look at the role of social media in teens’ friendships, looking at teen friendships more broadly defined.

Social media is an important venue for interaction and conversation among America’s youth. Fully 76% of all teens use social media. Facebook is the dominant platform, with 71% of all teens using it. Instagram and Snapchat also have become increasingly important, with 52% of teens using Instagram and 41% using Snapchat. One-third of American teens use Twitter and another third use Google Plus. Fewer teens use Vine or Tumblr.

Social media plays a critical role in connecting teens to new friends, allowing teens to learn more about new friends and get to know them better. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of teens who have made a new friend online say they have met new friends on a social media platform. Two-thirds (62%) of teens say they’ve shared their social media username with a brand new friend as a way to stay in touch.

Beyond making new friends, social media is major way that teens interact with their existing friends. More than nine-in-ten teens (94%) say they spend time with friends on social media. Fully 30% say they spend time with friends on social media every day, and another third (37%) say they do so every few days. When asked to rank the ways they communicate with friends, social media sites like Facebook or Twitter are one of the top ways of communicating with friends for two-thirds (66%) of teens.

A Majority of Teens Say Social Media Better Connects Them to Their Friends’ Feelings and Lives

As discussed earlier in the report, social media is a critical platform for making and staying in touch with friends. Given this, and the frequency with which many teens use social media, it is not surprising that teen social media users report that social media makes them feel better connected to their friends’ feelings and to information about what is going on in their friends’ lives. More than eight-in-ten (83%) social media-using teens say social media makes them more connected to information about what is happening in their friends’ lives and 70% say these social platforms better connect them to their friends’ feelings.

Girls who use social media are more likely than boys to say they are “a lot” better connected to information about their friends’ lives (40% vs. 26% boys) and their friends’ feelings (24% vs. 16% of boys) thanks to social media.

Most Teens Feel Better Connected to Friends via Social Media

While teens of all races and ethnicities are equally likely to feel more connected to information about what’s going on in their friends’ lives through social media, black youth are more likely to say they feel “a lot” more connected. Hispanic teens are more likely than whites to say they feel more connected to friends’ feelings through social media, with 78% of Hispanic youth saying this compared with 65% of white youth.

Smartphones offer near constant access to friends and for social media users, their friends’ online postings. Not surprisingly, teens who have access to smartphones and use social media are more likely to report that they feel “a lot” more connected to what’s happening in their friends lives than teens without a smartphone. While both groups are equally likely to say they feel more connected to friends through their social media use, 36% of smartphone owners say they feel “a lot” better connected to friends while a quarter (25%) of teens without smartphone access report the same degree of connectedness.

Teens from our focus groups told us that they appreciate the way social media keeps them in the loop with friends. One high school boy explained, “One good thing to come out it is you can find out what your friends do and check on them if you’re not there. So like find out who they hooked up with and what they did…”

Teens also enjoy the way social media better connects them to more people. As one high school boy said, “And you can talk to people a lot more often ‘cause you don’t need to see them in person.”

Nearly nine-in-ten social media-using teens believe people overshare on these platforms

Even as teens often feel better connected to friends’ feelings and information about their lives through social media, they also report that they are sometimes too connected to their friends’ lives. Fully 88% of social media-using teens agree that people share too much information about themselves on social media, with 35% agreeing strongly. These data hold true regardless of which social media platforms teens use.

About a Third of Teens Strongly Agree That People Overshare on Social Media

Teens from rural areas are more likely to agree strongly that people share too much information about themselves on social media than their urban or suburban counterparts, with 46% of rural teens strongly agreeing, compared with 31% of suburban teens and 39% of urban youth.

Nearly Seven-in-Ten Teens Receive Support From Friends Through Social Media During Tough Times

Social media not only connects teens to information and friends, but also connects them to opportunities for social support from their friends, peers and broader social networks. Among teens, 68% have received support on social media during challenges or tough times.

Many Teens Get Support on Social Media During Tough Times

Following adult gender patterns around asking for and receiving social support on social media , girls are more likely to report receiving such support on social media, with nearly three-quarters (73%) of girls garnering support, compared with 63% of social media-using boys.

When examining overall support on social media during tough times, white social media-using teens are more likely than Hispanic teens to report receiving support on the platforms. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of white teens who use social media receive support for tough times on these platforms, while 59% of Hispanics receive similar encouragement. Digging down into the data, black teens who use social media are just as likely overall as white and Hispanic teens to garner support on social media in these situations. Still, they are more likely than white youth who use social media to say they receive that support frequently – with 28% of black teens reporting frequent support, while 15% of white teens report similar boosting from their online network during tough times.

Social media-using teens from households with more modest incomes are more likely than teens from the wealthiest families to say people frequently support them through challenges on social media. While 23% of teens from families earning less than $50,000 annually say they frequently have people supporting them on social media, 14% of teens from families earning more than $75,000 per year report frequent support.

Smartphone users are more likely than teens without access to smartphones to say people support them through challenges or tough times through social media. Fully 71% of smartphone-using teens who use social media say people support them through tough times on those platforms, while 58% of teens without a smartphone say the same.

Negative Feelings From Social Media Viewing

Even as social media connects teens to friends’ feelings and experiences in ways both positive and excessive, that same sharing can reveal events and activities to which teens weren’t invited, and can lead to negative comparisons between their own lives and the lives of those they are connected to on social media.

53% of social media-using teens have seen people posting to social media about events to which they were not invited

A bit more than half (53%) of social media-using teens have witnessed others posting to social media about gatherings, events or parties that they weren’t invited to. Most teens don’t experience this very often, with the bulk of teens (42%) saying it happens occasionally and just 11% saying it happens frequently.

About Half of Teens See Posts About Things They Weren’t Invited To

Teens from households with more highly educated parents are more likely to say they haven’t been invited to events they later saw posted on social media. Two-thirds (65%) of teen social media users with parents with a college education or more say they’ve seen postings for events they weren’t invited to, as have half (50%) of teens whose parents have completed some college and 47% of teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less.

Most teens don’t feel worse about their lives based on what they see from others on social media

Social media exposes teens and adults to information about the lives of their friends. Given what we know about how teens curate and manage information posted to their social media platforms, some profiles post a highlight reel of individual lives, rather than a fuller picture of ups and downs. And while some youth feel worse about their own lives because of what they see on friends’ social media postings, the majority of teen social media users say they generally do not feel bad about their lives based on what they see on these platforms.

More than three-quarters (78%) of teens say they do not feel worse about their own lives based on what others post to social media, while 21% of teens say they do. Among those who do feel worse about their lives based on what they see on social media, most do not feel this particularly acutely; 17% say they feel “a little” worse and 4% say they feel “a lot” worse.

Hispanic youth are somewhat more likely to report that they feel worse about their own lives because of social media

More than a quarter (28%) of Hispanic teens report feeling worse about their lives because of social media postings, significantly more than the 12% of black youth who feel this way. The difference between these two groups and the 21% of white teens who say they feel worse is not statistically significant.

Self-Presentation and Curation of Social Media Presence

Teens as well as adults spend time curating and planning how to present themselves in online social spaces. Adults have often admonished teens to think carefully about what they post and share online, and in many cases, teens have taken this to heart. Online profiles and presence are constructed things for youth. With this need to be careful comes a need to present themselves to multiple audiences – to be authentic and compelling to peers and to simultaneously present a potentially sanitized and appropriate digital persona to adults like parents, teachers, future employers and college admissions officers.

Teens struggle to balance the needs of their different audiences and it shows in the pressures they experience and the attitudes they express about how their peers present themselves.

A large majority of teen social media users agree that people get to show different sides of themselves on social media that they cannot show offline

Some 85% of teen social media users agree that people get to show different sides of themselves on social media that they cannot show offline. This sentiment is consistent across most major demographic groups.

Teens with access to smartphones are also more likely to say people show different sides of themselves on social media, with 88% of smartphone owners agreeing with that statement, compared with 76% of teens without a smartphone.

In one of our focus groups, a high school girl explains what she considers a positive side of social media: “It allows you to show, like, a different side of yourself. … I mean, you can talk about different things. If you’re in person with them, you can joke around. But then like if you’re texting with them or talking about something serious, you can talk about serious things and politics and stuff, and it shows a different side of yourself that you might not talk about with them in person.”

Most Teens Think Social Media Allows People to Be Less Authentic and Show a Different Side of Their Personality

Roughly three-quarters of teens think people are less authentic and real on social media than they are offline

Even as teens have the opportunity to share parts of themselves on social media that they can’t share in person, those same self-presentations don’t always feel authentic to their peers. Roughly three-quarters (77%) of social media-using teens agree people are less authentic and real on social media than they are offline.

Again, there are few major differences among different groups of teens in their agreement with this statement.

Many teens feel pressure to curate positive and well-liked content

While a majority of teens do not feel pressure to post content that makes them look good to others (such as parents or peers), 40% of teens do report feeling pressure to post positive and attractive content about themselves. The bulk of teens (30%) report feeling “a little” pressure, while just 10% say they feel “a lot” of pressure.

Some Teens Face Pressure to Post Popular or Flattering Content

Teens with more highly educated parents are substantially more likely than teens who have parents with less education to report pressure to only post content that makes them look good. More than half (54%) of social media-using teens whose parents have a college degree or more report such pressure, while about of third of teens whose parents have some college experience or a high school diploma or less say the same. The bulk of teens whose parents have a college degree (42%) report feeling the pressure “a little” – just 12% feel “a lot” of pressure to post only positive content about themselves to social media. There are no significant differences between boys and girls, different ages or races and ethnicities in feeling this pressure.

Teens who are generally more interactive with others in a digital space – using it to make friends or play games with people they have never met – are all more likely to feel pressure to only post content that makes them look good to others.

Many teens want to be liked by friends and peers and that extends to digital “likes” as well.

In addition to the pressure some teens feel to post content that makes them look good, teens also feel pressure to post content that others like and comment on. Similar to the percentage of teens who feel pressure to post content that makes them look good, 39% of teens on social media say they feel pressure to post content that will be popular and get lots of comments or likes.

One middle school girl in our focus groups explained the pressure to post cool content to Instagram and how that led to the end of a friendship: “So it’s on Instagram. In my school, it’s like so you post quality pictures, I guess, and that makes you cool. I don’t know. It’s like a lot of girls have … they buy cameras just to do this – expensive cameras. So anyway, I guess K was accusing C of like being too much like her, and one of the reasons was because C was posting pictures. So she would edit her pictures like in such a way that it would look cool. … I don’t know how to describe it. It’s just a quality cool thing, I guess. So like they lost their friendship, and part of the reason was because of her social media account.”

Teens with more highly educated parents are more likely to report feeling pressure to post content that will garner likes or comments on social media. Nearly half (47%) of teens with parents with a college degree or more report feeling such pressure, while just 36% of teens whose parents have some college experience and 35% of teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less report feeling pressure to post well-liked content.

However, there are no differences between boys and girls, younger and older teens, or those of different racial or ethnic backgrounds when it comes to feeling pressure around posting content that others will like or comment on.

Teens who feel pressure to post content that garners likes or comments frequently feel that they must post only content that makes them look good. Fully 59% of teens who feel “a lot” of pressure to post popular content feel similarly pressured to post content that makes them look good to others.

42% of teens have had someone post things about them that they cannot change or control; older teens and white teens are especially likely to report this

Few Teens Say They Often Experience People Posting Things About Them That They Can’t Control

The pressure to post content that others like and find appealing may be, in part, to counteract another challenge that teens and adults face on social media platforms: People posting content about them that they cannot control. Some 42% of teen social media users experience people posting things about them that they can’t change or control, with 9% indicating that this happens to them “frequently.”

Older teen social media users are more likely to say they’ve experienced this: 46% of teens ages 15 to 17 say they’ve had people posting things about them that they can’t change, compared with just over a third (35%) of teens ages 13 to 14. Broadly, there are no differences between boys and girls in their likelihood of having people posting things about them that they can’t change or control.

White teen social media users are more likely than Hispanic teens to report that people have posted things about them that they can’t control: 45% of white teens have experienced this, as have 32% of Hispanic teens. The 38% of black youth who have experienced this is not significantly different than white or Hispanic teens. All groups, but especially white teens, are likely to say this happens occasionally rather than frequently.

Among social media-using teens, those with more highly educated parents are more likely than teens with parents with lower levels of educational attainment to experience people posting things about them that they can’t change or control. Nearly half (48%) of social media-using teens whose parents have a college degree or more say content has been posted about them on social media that they can’t control, while 38% of teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less report similar experiences.

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Essay on Social Media for School Students and Children

500+ words essay on social media.

Social media is a tool that is becoming quite popular these days because of its user-friendly features. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more are giving people a chance to connect with each other across distances. In other words, the whole world is at our fingertips all thanks to social media. The youth is especially one of the most dominant users of social media. All this makes you wonder that something so powerful and with such a massive reach cannot be all good. Like how there are always two sides to a coin, the same goes for social media. Subsequently, different people have different opinions on this debatable topic. So, in this essay on Social Media, we will see the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Essay on Social Media

Advantages of Social Media

When we look at the positive aspect of social media, we find numerous advantages. The most important being a great device for education . All the information one requires is just a click away. Students can educate themselves on various topics using social media.

Moreover, live lectures are now possible because of social media. You can attend a lecture happening in America while sitting in India.

Furthermore, as more and more people are distancing themselves from newspapers, they are depending on social media for news. You are always updated on the latest happenings of the world through it. A person becomes more socially aware of the issues of the world.

In addition, it strengthens bonds with your loved ones. Distance is not a barrier anymore because of social media. For instance, you can easily communicate with your friends and relatives overseas.

Most importantly, it also provides a great platform for young budding artists to showcase their talent for free. You can get great opportunities for employment through social media too.

Another advantage definitely benefits companies who wish to promote their brands. Social media has become a hub for advertising and offers you great opportunities for connecting with the customer.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Social Media

Despite having such unique advantages, social media is considered to be one of the most harmful elements of society. If the use of social media is not monitored, it can lead to grave consequences.

friends on social media essay

Thus, the sharing on social media especially by children must be monitored at all times. Next up is the addition of social media which is quite common amongst the youth.

This addiction hampers with the academic performance of a student as they waste their time on social media instead of studying. Social media also creates communal rifts. Fake news is spread with the use of it, which poisons the mind of peace-loving citizens.

In short, surely social media has both advantages and disadvantages. But, it all depends on the user at the end. The youth must particularly create a balance between their academic performances, physical activities, and social media. Excess use of anything is harmful and the same thing applies to social media. Therefore, we must strive to live a satisfying life with the right balance.

friends on social media essay

FAQs on Social Media

Q.1 Is social media beneficial? If yes, then how?

A.1 Social media is quite beneficial. Social Media offers information, news, educational material, a platform for talented youth and brands.

Q.2 What is a disadvantage of Social Media?

A.2 Social media invades your privacy. It makes you addicted and causes health problems. It also results in cyberbullying and scams as well as communal hatred.

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The Psychology of Friendship

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6 Friendship and Social Media

  • Published: November 2016
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The last decade has witnessed widespread use of social media platforms for initiating and maintaining friendships. Indeed, given that “friend” is a colloquial/technical term for social media connections, social media may not only foster friendship but also redefine it to an extent. Given the socioemotional significance attached to social media, this chapter reviews four strands of inquiry that have characterized scholarship on social media friendship thus far: (1) warranting and impression formation, (2) relational maintenance and media multiplexity, (3) social capital and social support, and (4) psychosocial well-being outcomes. With a few notable exceptions, scholarship across these domains has indicated beneficial psychological and relational outcomes accruing from social media use. In addition to more carefully delineating between “friend” as relationship type and “friend” as social media connection, future research should consider technological contexts beyond Facebook and demographic contexts beyond teens and young adults, and pursue greater theoretical and methodological sophistication.

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Writing a Social Media Essay: Tips and Examples

friends on social media essay

In an era where a single tweet can spark a global conversation and an Instagram post can redefine trends, it's fascinating to note that the average person spends approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes per day on social media platforms. That's more than 900 hours a year devoted to scrolling, liking, and sharing in the vast digital landscape. As we find ourselves deeply intertwined in the fabric of online communities, the significance of understanding and articulating the dynamics of social media through the written word, particularly in an essay on social media, becomes increasingly apparent. So, why embark on the journey of crafting an essay on this ubiquitous aspect of modern life? Join us as we unravel the layers of social media's impact, explore its nuances, and discover the art of conveying these insights through the written form.

Short Description

In this article, we'll explore how to write an essay on social media and the purpose behind these narratives while also delving into a myriad of engaging topics. From the heartbeat of online connections to the rhythm of effective storytelling, we'll guide you organically through the process, sharing insights on structure, approach, and the creative essence that makes each essay unique. And if you're seeking assistance, pondering - ' I wish I could find someone to write my essay ,' we'll also furnish example essays to empower you to tackle such tasks independently.

Why Write a Social Media Essay

In a world buzzing with hashtags, filters, and the constant hum of notifications, the idea of sitting down to craft an essay about social media might seem as out of place as a cassette tape in a streaming era. Yet, there's something oddly therapeutic, almost rebellious, about pausing in the midst of 280-character wisdom to delve deeper into the why behind our digital existence.

So, what is social media essay, and what's the purpose of writing it? Well, it's more than just an exercise in intellectual curiosity. It's a personal journey, a reflective pause in the ceaseless scroll. While writing the essay, we gain the power to articulate the intangible, to breathe life into the pixels that dance across our screens. It's an opportunity to make sense of the chaos, to find meaning in the memes, and perhaps, in the process, to uncover a bit more about ourselves in this digital wilderness.

Let's face it - our online lives are a fast-paced carousel of memes, viral challenges, and carefully curated selfies. So, why bother wrestling with words and paragraphs in a world where brevity is king? The answer lies in the art of unraveling the digital tapestry that envelops us.

There's a magic in articulating the dance between the profound and the mundane that occurs within the confines of our screens. An essay becomes a lens, focusing our attention on the subtleties of social media dynamics – the inside jokes that become global phenomena, the ripple effect of a well-timed retweet, and the silent conversations unfolding in the comment sections.

6 Key Tips for Crafting a Social Media Essay

Now that we've set sail into the realm of essays on the digital landscape, it's only fair to equip ourselves with a few trusty tools for the journey. Think of these tips as your compass, helping you navigate the sometimes choppy, often unpredictable waters of crafting an essay on social media.

tips social media essay

  • Embrace Your Authentic Voice: Just like your favorite Instagram filter can't hide the real you, your essay should reflect your genuine thoughts and feelings. Don't be afraid to let your unique voice shine through – whether it's witty, contemplative, or a delightful blend of both.
  • Dive into the Details: Social media isn't just about the grand gestures; it's the small, often unnoticed details that weave the most compelling narratives. Explore the minutiae of your online experiences – the peculiar hashtags, the quirky bios, and the unexpected connections that leave a lasting imprint.
  • Craft Your Hashtag Haiku: Much like poetry, brevity can be your ally in social media essays. Think of hashtags as haikus – succinct, impactful, and capable of conveying a universe of meaning in just a few characters. Choose them wisely.
  • Engage with the Comments Section: The comments section is the lively pub where digital conversations unfold. Dive in, clink glasses, and engage with the diverse perspectives swirling around. It's in these interactions that the real magic happens – where ideas collide, evolve, and sometimes, transform.
  • Navigate the Memescape: Memes are the folklore of the digital age, carrying tales of humor, irony, and cultural resonance. Don't shy away from exploring the memescape in your essay. Unravel the layers, decipher the symbolism, and appreciate the humor that often holds up a mirror to society.
  • Be Mindful of the Clickbait Pitfalls: While clickbait might be the flashy neon sign on the digital highway, it's essential to tread carefully. Ensure your essay isn't just a sensational headline but a thoughtful exploration that goes beyond the surface.

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Social Media Essay Structure

In the age of viral tweets and digital conversations, tackling the essay format is more than just stringing words together—it's about creating a roadmap. As we navigate this landscape of likes and retweets, understanding the structural foundations becomes key. So, let's cut through the noise and explore the practical aspects of how to write a social media essay that mirrors the rhythm of our online experiences.

social media essay outline

Form an Outline

Now that we've acknowledged the importance of structure in your essay, the next step is to build a solid roadmap. Think of it like planning a road trip; you wouldn't hit the highway without a map or GPS, right? Similarly, creating an outline for your essay gives you a clear direction and ensures your thoughts flow smoothly.

So, whether you decide to order an essay online or tackle it yourself, here's a simple way to go about it:

Introduction (Where You Start):

  • Briefly introduce the topic.
  • State your social media essay thesis or main idea.
  • Example: 'Let's begin by introducing the impact of social media on modern communication, focusing on its role in shaping opinions and fostering connections.'

Body Paragraphs (The Journey):

  • Each paragraph should cover a specific social media essay argument and point.
  • Use examples or evidence to support your ideas.
  • Example: 'The first aspect we'll explore is how social media amplifies voices. For instance, hashtags like #ClimateAction mobilize a global audience around environmental issues.'

Transitions (Smooth Turns):

  • Guide your readers from one point to the next.
  • Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs.
  • Example: 'Having discussed the amplification of voices, let's now shift our focus to the influence of social media in spreading information.'

Counter Arguments (Addressing Detours):

  • Acknowledge different perspectives.
  • Counter Arguments with evidence or reasoning.
  • Example: 'While social media can be a powerful tool for connectivity, critics argue that it also contributes to the spread of misinformation. Let's explore this counterargument and analyze its validity.'

Conclusion (The Destination):

  • Summarize your main points.
  • Restate your thesis and leave a lasting impression.
  • Example: 'In conclusion, social media serves as both a bridge and a battleground of ideas. Understanding its nuances is crucial in navigating this digital landscape.'

Creating an outline for your essay not only streamlines the writing process but also ensures your readers embark on a clear and organized journey through your insights on social media. If you're exploring more options, you might even want to buy thesis for more convenience.

Make a Social Media Essay Introduction

Begin your introduction by presenting a concise overview of the key theme or topic you're addressing. Clearly state the main purpose or argument of your essay, giving readers a roadmap for what to expect. Integrate social media essay hooks like a relevant statistic, quote, or provocative question to capture attention.

For instance, if your essay is about the impact of social media on personal relationships, you might start by mentioning a statistic on the percentage of couples who met online.

Social Media Essay Body Paragraph

Structure each social media essay body paragraph around a specific aspect of your chosen topic. Start with a clear topic sentence that encapsulates the main idea of the paragraph. Provide concrete examples, data, or case studies to support your points and strengthen your argument. Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs by using effective transitions.

If your essay focuses on the positive effects of social media on business marketing, dedicate a paragraph to showcasing successful campaigns and how they leveraged different platforms.

Social Media Essay Conclusion

In your conclusion, succinctly recap the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. Reinforce your thesis statement and emphasize its broader implications. Rather than introducing new information, use the conclusion to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Consider prompting further thought or suggesting practical applications of your findings.

For instance, if your essay examined the impact of social media on political discourse, conclude by encouraging readers to critically evaluate the information they encounter online and actively engage in constructive conversations.

Proofread and Revise

In the process of writing social media essay, proofreading and revising are indispensable steps that can significantly enhance the overall quality of your work. Begin by meticulously checking for grammatical errors, ensuring that your sentences are clear and concise. Pay attention to the flow of your ideas, confirming that each paragraph seamlessly transitions into the next.

During the proofreading phase, keep an eye out for any inconsistencies in tone or style. This is an opportunity to refine your language and ensure that it aligns with the intended voice of your essay. Look for repetitive phrases or unnecessary words that might detract from the clarity of your message.

As you revise, consider the effectiveness of your hook. Does it still resonate as strongly as you intended? Can it be tweaked to better captivate your audience? A compelling hook sets the tone for your entire essay, so invest time in perfecting this crucial element.

Furthermore, don't hesitate to seek feedback from peers or mentors. Another perspective can provide valuable insights into areas that may need improvement. Fresh eyes often catch nuances that the writer might overlook. Alternatively, you might also explore the option to buy coursework for additional support.

Social Media Essay Topics

In the vast realm of social media, where every like and share contributes to the digital narrative, choosing the right essay topic becomes a crucial compass for exploration. Let's explore thought-provoking topics that not only capture attention but also invite insightful discussions on the intricacies of our interconnected world.

Impact on Society:

  • The Role of Social Media in Redefining Friendship and Social Bonds
  • How Has TikTok Influenced Global Pop Culture Trends?
  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization
  • Social Media and Mental Health: Exploring the Connection
  • The Evolution of Language on Social Media Platforms
  • Examining the Influence of Social Media on Body Image
  • Fake News and Its Proliferation on Social Media
  • Social Media and the Rise of Influencer Marketing
  • The Intersection of Social Media and Dating Apps
  • Has Social Media Narrowed or Expanded Cultural Perspectives?
  • The Role of Social Media in Fostering Global Communities
  • The Influence of Social Media on Consumer Behavior
  • Analyzing the Impact of Social Media on News Consumption
  • The Rise of 'Cancel Culture' on Social Media Platforms
  • Social Media and Its Role in Spreading Disinformation
  • The Impact of Social Media on Language and Communication Skills
  • Social Media and its Influence on Political Movements
  • The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Sleep Patterns
  • Social Media and the Accessibility of Educational Resources
  • The Cultural Significance of Memes on Social Media

Individual and Identity:

  • The Impact of Social Media Addiction on Personal Relationships and Intimacy
  • Self-Expression and Authenticity on Social Networking Sites
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Teenage Identity Formation
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Beauty Standards
  • Navigating Online Dating and Relationships in the Social Media Age
  • The Impact of Social Media on Parenting Styles
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Body Positivity Movements
  • The Perception of Success: Social Media's Role in Achievement Culture
  • Social Media and the Construction of Online Persona vs. Real Self
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Lifestyle Choices
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Career Aspirations
  • The Intersection of Mental Health Narratives and Social Media
  • The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem and Well-Being
  • How Social Media Influences Gender Identity and Expression
  • Exploring the Concept of Digital Detox in the Social Media Era
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Cultural Identity
  • The Connection Between Social Media and Impulse Buying
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Dietary Choices
  • Balancing Privacy and Self-Disclosure on Social Media
  • The Impact of Social Media on Friendships Over Time

Digital Activism and Advocacy:

  • The Effectiveness of Hashtag Movements in Promoting Social Change
  • Social Media and Its Role in Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
  • The Impact of Social Media on Global Environmental Activism
  • Online Activism: The Evolution from Clicktivism to Concrete Action
  • The Role of Social Media in Advancing LGBTQ+ Rights
  • Social Media and Its Impact on Anti-Racism Movements
  • Analyzing the Challenges of Digital Advocacy in Authoritarian Regimes
  • Social Media and the Global Fight Against Cyberbullying
  • The Intersection of Social Media and Mental Health Advocacy
  • Examining the Role of Social Media in Humanitarian Campaigns
  • Crowdsourcing for Change: How Social Media Fuels Fundraising
  • The Challenges of Digital Activism in the Age of Information Overload
  • Social Media and Its Impact on Disability Advocacy
  • The Role of Social Media in Combating Gender-Based Violence
  • Online Petitions and Their Influence on Policy Change
  • Exploring the Intersection of Social Media and Animal Rights Activism
  • The Impact of Social Media on Indigenous Rights Advocacy
  • Digital Advocacy and Its Role in Healthcare Reform
  • Social Media's Influence on Youth Activism
  • Navigating Challenges in Allyship on Social Media Platforms

Privacy and Ethics:

  • The Implications of Facial Recognition Technology on Social Media
  • Social Media Platforms and the Ethics of User Data Collection
  • The Role of Social Media in Combating Deepfakes
  • Balancing Freedom of Speech and Moderation on Social Media
  • Social Media and the Challenges of Regulating Disinformation
  • Ethical Considerations in Targeted Advertising on Social Media
  • The Impact of Social Media Algorithms on User Behavior
  • Social Media and the Right to Privacy: Where to Draw the Line?
  • The Influence of Social Media on Political Manipulation and Propaganda
  • Data Security Concerns in the Era of Social Media
  • The Ethics of Social Media Influencer Marketing
  • Social Media and Its Role in Combating Cyberbullying
  • The Impact of Social Media on Juror Bias in Legal Cases
  • Exploring the Ethics of Incorporating Social Media Usage in Hiring Decisions by Employers
  • Social Media and Its Role in Combating Hate Speech
  • Balancing Personalization with Privacy in Social Media Websites
  • The Influence of Social Media on Public Perceptions of Law Enforcement
  • Social Media and the Challenges of Content Moderation
  • Addressing Online Harassment: Ethical Considerations for Platforms
  • The Responsibility of Social Media Platforms in Protecting User Privacy

Future Trends and Innovations:

  • The Future of Social Media: Emerging Platforms and Trends
  • The Role of Augmented Reality (AR) in Shaping the Future of Social Media
  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Its Potential Impact on Social Media Engagement
  • The Rise of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and Social Media
  • Social Media and the Evolution of Live Streaming Culture
  • The Impact of Voice Search and Voice Assistants on Social Media
  • Social Commerce: The Future of E-Commerce Through Social Media
  • Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Social Media
  • The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Social Media Security
  • Social Media and the Integration of Virtual Influencers
  • The Future of Social Media Content: Short-Form vs. Long-Form
  • The Influence of User-Generated Content on Future Social Media Trends
  • Social Media and the Adoption of 5G Technology
  • The Potential of Gamification in Shaping Social Media Engagement
  • The Impact of Social Media on the Future of Work and Remote Collaboration
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health Apps
  • The Influence of User Privacy Concerns on Future Social Media Developments
  • Social Media and the Role of Ephemeral Content in Communication
  • The Intersection of Social Media and Virtual Events
  • Predicting the Next Wave of Social Media Influencer Trends

If these topics piqued your interest, you'll likely find persuasive essay topics equally fascinating! Dive into our article for a variety of options that might just spark your curiosity and inspire your next writing venture.

Social Media Essay Example

Crafting a standout essay isn't just about the words; it's about weaving a narrative that grabs your reader's attention. Before we say our goodbyes, why not take a peek at our sample essays? Our seasoned writers poured their expertise into creating persuasive pieces, offering you insights into both how to write an essay on social media and the kind of polished language that can elevate your own writing.

Wrapping Up

As our college essay service experts conclude this article, we've journeyed through the emotional complexities, societal reflections, and transformative potentials embedded in our digital narratives. An essay on social media is a portal into the intricate dance of our online lives, urging introspection, empathy, and an awareness of diverse stories. Let your essays authentically reflect, sparking conversations that enrich our collective experience in this ever-evolving digital realm.

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friends on social media essay

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Persuasive Essay Writing

Persuasive Essay About Social Media

Cathy A.

Learn How to Write a Persuasive Essay About Social Media With Examples

Published on: Jan 26, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

Persuasive Essay About Social Media

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Are you looking to learn how to write a persuasive essay about social media? 

Perfect, you've come to the right place!

From navigating the power of hashtags to analyzing changes in public opinion, these examples will help guide you on your journey. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at writing persuasive essays or just a starter, look at these examples to be inspired.

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Brief Overview of Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay persuades the reader or audience to take a particular stance on an issue. It is used to present an opinion on any subject, and it typically takes the form of an academic essay. It includes evidence and facts supporting its arguments.

The writer must use facts and reliable sources to back up his or her claims.

It is also important that the essay should be well-structured. It should have clear arguments and a logical flow from one point to another.

Learn more about crafting perfect persuasive essays with the help of our detailed guide.

Persuasive Essay Examples About Social Media

Are you a student unsure how to write persuasive essays successfully? Well, never fear! 

We've got examples of some amazing persuasive essays about social media that will surely give you inspiration. Let’s take a look at a short persuasive essay example: 


Social media is a double-edged sword that has both positive and negative impacts on our society. On one hand, it serves as a powerful tool for communication, connectivity, and information dissemination. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow people to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and stay updated on current events. This connectivity can foster a sense of community and bridge geographical gaps.

However, the darker side of social media cannot be ignored. The rise of cyberbullying, misinformation, and the addictive nature of these platforms raise concerns about their impact on mental health and societal well-being. The constant comparison fueled by curated online personas can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, especially among the younger demographic.

Moreover, the rapid spread of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms poses a threat to the integrity of public discourse. The echo chamber effect, where users are exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, further polarizes society and hinders constructive dialogue.

Despite these drawbacks, social media has undeniably played a pivotal role in movements for social justice and political change. The Arab Spring and various hashtag movements demonstrate the power of social media in mobilizing communities for positive societal transformations.

In conclusion, the impact of social media on our society is nuanced. While it facilitates communication and connectivity, it also brings forth challenges related to mental health, misinformation, and polarization. The key lies in striking a balance, leveraging the positive aspects while addressing the negative consequences through responsible usage, digital literacy, and regulatory measures. It is crucial for society to harness the potential of social media for collective benefit while mitigating its harmful effects.

Check these FREE downloadable samples of persuasive essays! 

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Examples of Argumentative Essay about Social Media

To help get your creative juices flowing, look at these example argumentative essays about social media below!

Argumentative essay about social media advantages and disadvantages

Argumentative essay about social media addiction

For more examples of persuasive essays, check out our blog on persuasive essay examples .

How Can You Write a Persuasive Essay About Social Media?      

A persuasive essay about social media can be an interesting and challenging task.

Understanding what makes a persuasive essay unique and how to craft arguments that effectively communicate your point of view is important. 

These are a few steps you should follow before writing an effective persuasive essay on social media.

Step 1: Decide Your Stance

First, you must decide on your stance regarding the issue at hand. Are you for or against the use of social media? Are you in support of social media?

After you decide your stance, move on to the research process.

Step 2: Conduct Due Research

Once you have established your position, you must research the topic and develop an argument that supports your stance. 

Make sure to include facts, statistics, and examples to back up your points.

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Create a structured persuasive essay outline before delving into detailed writing. This roadmap will help organize your thoughts, ensuring a logical flow of arguments. Outline your introduction, key points, counterarguments, and conclusion.

Step 4: Craft Your Introduction 

The introduction should provide context, state the thesis statement , and grab the reader's attention. It precedes deciding your stance and initiates the overall writing process.

Read this free PDF to learn more about crafting essays on social media!

Persuasive essay about social media introduction

Step 5: Write the Body

Organize your arguments logically in the body of the essay. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point, supported by research and addressing counterarguments. This follows the introduction and precedes maintaining a persuasive tone.

Step 6: Address All Counterarguments

It is important to anticipate potential counterarguments from those who oppose your stance. 

Take time to address these points directly and provide evidence for why your opinion is more valid.

Step 7: Maintain a Persuasive Tone

To maintain your audience's attention, it is important to write in a confident and persuasive tone throughout the essay. 

Use strong language that will make readers take notice of your words. 

Check out this video on persuasive writing tones and styles.

Step 8: Conclude Your Essay

Finally, end your essay with a memorable conclusion that will leave your audience with something to think about. 

With these important steps taken into account, you can create an effective persuasive essay about social media!

Step 9: Revise and Edit

After completing your initial draft, take time to revise and edit your essay. Ensure clarity, coherence, and the effective flow of arguments. This step follows the conclusion of your essay and precedes the final check for overall effectiveness.

Persuasive Essay About Social Media Writing Tips

Here are some additional writing tips to refine your persuasive essay on social media.

  • Highlight Numbers: Use facts and numbers to show how important social media is.
  • Tell Stories: Share real stories to help people connect with the impact of social media.
  • Use Pictures: Add charts or pictures to make your essay more interesting and easy to understand.
  • Answer Questions: Think about what people might disagree with and explain why your ideas are better.
  • Talk About What's Right: Explain why it's important to use social media in a good and fair way.

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Social Media Persuasive Essay Topics

Take a look at these creative and enticing persuasive essay topics. Choose from one of them or get inspiration from these topics.

  • Should social media platforms be held accountable for cyberbullying?
  • Should age restrictions be stricter for social media access to protect younger users from its negative effects?
  • Should social media companies be mandated to prioritize user privacy over targeted advertising?
  • Should schools integrate mandatory education on the pitfalls of social media for students?
  • Should governments regulate the amount of time users spend on social media to prevent addiction?
  • Should social media influencers face stricter guidelines for promoting unrealistic body standards?
  • Should there be more transparency about how algorithms on social media platforms amplify divisive content?
  • Should employers be allowed to consider an applicant's social media profiles during the hiring process?
  • Should there be penalties for social networking sites that propagate false information?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of personal data social media platforms can collect from users?

Check out some more interesting persuasive essay topics to get inspiration for your next essay.

Wrapping up, 

Learning how to write persuasive essays about social media matters in today's digital world is crucial whether you are a high school student or a college student. These examples guide us in exploring both the good and bad sides of social media's impact. 

We hope this persuasive blog on social media has given you a few new ideas to consider when persuading your audience.

But if you are struggling with your essay assignment do not hesitate to seek professional help. At CollegeEssay.org , our writing experts can help you get started on any type of essay. 

With our professional persuasive essay writing service , you can be confident that your paper will be written in utmost detail.

So don't wait any longer! Just ask us ' write my essay ' today and let us help you make the most of your writing experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good persuasive essay topics.

Good persuasive essay topics can include topics related to social media, such as 

  • whether or not it should be regulated more heavily,
  • the impact of social media on society, 
  • how social media has changed our daily lives.

How do you write an introduction for social media essay?

You should start by briefly explaining what the essay will cover and why it is important. 

You should also provide brief background information about the topic and what caused you to choose it for your essay.

What is a good title for a social media essay?

A good title for a social media essay could be "The Impact of Social Media on Society" or "Social Media: Regulation and Responsibility." 

These titles indicate the content that will be discussed in the essay while still being interesting and thought-provoking.

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friends on social media essay

Social Media: A Friend Indeed

This essay is the winner of our Essay Writing Contest 2014

As I log onto Instagram, I view posts from friends I met at a business conference as they prepare for university and spend their last free summer exploring the world. I see people celebrating their friends on Woman Crush Wednesday and Man Crush Monday. Summer camp buddies share their exploration of the world, ranging from Colorado to Haiti. People commemorate their accomplishments and are congratulated in kind. Even without much discussion, I feel connected to people as they share their experiences, dreams, and achievements. With its amazing ability to link people from a variety of places in a variety of ways, social media allows a whole new level of association between people.

Never before in time has there such a connection between people and their friends. “Long ago” (or, the days before instant internet access), people would have to phone their friends to see if they could possibly hang out, or even walk to their friend’s house, not knowing if the trip was for naught, with the friend busy for whatever reason. Nowadays, plans can be made instantaneously, and friends can even share events such as broadcasted award shows and television episodes via text, Facebook chat, and Twitter. Never before has a friendship been so easy to foster. Even just exchanging a username with an unknown person in class can lead to a new friend in a few clicks of a button. Social media has made it easier to make friends and interact with them, whether the interaction is by way of the internet, a phone, or the classic visits to each other’s house, now made easy by texts and Facebook messages that will allow the friend to inform you that they are available.

Social media has also led to the development of friendships based on common interests. The mid-90s saw the development of public forums where people could discuss their interests, ranging from politics to anime, and build connections off of that. Nowadays, Facebook and Google groups, Tumblr, and the Twitter hashtag system allow people to discover others with similar interests from around the world. While not all of these connections may lead to a friendship, online friends can be as fulfilling as a “real-life” friendship, yet this friendship is also one that could not exist without social media. Social media provides for people with uncommon interests, or people who simply do not have friends that share common interests, to express their passion alongside others.

With the access to people around the globe that social media provides, it is not surprising to see increasing globalization as the younger generations, and even their tech-savvy parents, are introduced to new cultures, mindsets, and news and information that would be foreign and out-of-reach to them without the worldwide union social media provides. Even globalization relates back to friendships, allowing people from across the globe to develop long-lasting friendships. Although pen pals existed pre-social media, the development of new communication technologies allows for a quicker connection between people, fostering an even greater sense of friendship.

Some have said that social media makes people more self-centered; yet, it seems to be just the opposite. People are able to join with others in their triumphs, give them sympathy when needed, and share laughs. None of that seems self-centered. Perhaps it is the selfie craze or people making note of their accomplishments that makes people think this about social media. However, in the age where low self-esteem is prevalent among the younger demographics, I see social media as the cure, not the disease. Friends are able to compliment others for victories they might not otherwise be rewarded for. Even selfies, as trivial and stupid as some may view them, can help someone increase their self-esteem, especially if their friends “like” or retweet the photo. That’s worth something, and, if celebrating yourself and others is self-centered, I hope to see a lot more of it.

Social media allows people to live life and experience friendships to the fullest, whether it be by connecting people from around the globe, allowing people instant access to their friends, providing for the sharing of goals and achievements, and allowing us to view people we might ignore in a whole new light.

By Carol Scott

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To what extent has social media devalued true friendship in your society?

Table of Contents

Introduction

The benefits of social media on friendship, the drawbacks of social media on friendship, the effect of social media on face-to-face interactions.

Social media has revolutionized the way we connect with others, making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family, and allowing us to form new relationships. However, the increased reliance on social media has also had some negative impacts on the value of true friendship.

The superficial nature of online relationships, the difficulty in forming deep and meaningful connections, and the negative impact of social media comparisons on self-esteem are all drawbacks of social media on friendship. The decline in face-to-face interactions, the decline in interpersonal communication skills, and the loss of nonverbal cues have all contributed to the devaluation of true friendship.

However, it is important to balance our use of social media with face-to-face interactions to maintain the value of true friendship. By prioritizing in-person interactions and preserving the importance of face-to-face connections, we can ensure that our relationships remain deep and meaningful.

In conclusion, the impact of social media on friendship is complex and depends on how individuals choose to use it. While it has made it easier to stay in touch with friends and family, it has also encouraged superficial relationships and reduced face-to-face interactions. By being mindful of its potential drawbacks and preserving the value of true friendship, we can ensure that social media does not completely devalue the meaningful relationships that form the foundation of our lives.

I. Introduction

  • Definition of social media
  • The impact of social media on friendship

II. The benefits of social media on friendship

  • Increased accessibility to friends
  • Ability to stay in touch with friends who live far away
  • Easier to maintain relationships with old friends

III. The drawbacks of social media on friendship

  • The superficial nature of online relationships
  • Difficulty in forming deep and meaningful connections
  • The negative impact of social media comparisons on self-esteem

IV. The effect of social media on face-to-face interactions

  • Decreased face-to-face communication
  • The impact of social media on real-life conversations
  • Difficulty in building trust and empathy through online interactions

V. Conclusion

  • Summary of main points
  • Reflection on the balance between the benefits and drawbacks of social media on friendship
  • Final thoughts on the importance of maintaining a balance between online and face-to-face relationships to preserve the value of true friendship.

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and connect with others. It has provided a platform for people to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences with a wider audience, enabling them to connect with friends and family from all over the world. However, with the increasing prevalence of social media, it has also raised questions about the impact of these online interactions on the value of true friendship.

The impact of social media on friendship has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it has made it easier to connect with people and maintain relationships, while others argue that it has contributed to the devaluation of true friendship. On one hand, social media allows people to stay in touch with friends who live far away and provides an easy way to maintain relationships with old friends. On the other hand, the superficial nature of online relationships and the difficulty in forming deep and meaningful connections has raised concerns about the impact of social media on the quality of our friendships.

This essay will explore the extent to which social media has devalued true friendship by examining both the benefits and drawbacks of social media on friendship. The thesis statement of this essay is: While social media has made it easier to connect with people and maintain relationships, it has also contributed to the devaluation of true friendship to some extent.

There are several benefits of social media that have positively impacted friendship, some of which are:

Increased accessibility to friends : Social media platforms allow users to connect with friends and family from all over the world, making it easier to maintain long-distance relationships. People can stay in touch with friends they have not seen in a long time or keep up-to-date with the lives of friends who live far away.

Ability to stay in touch with friends who live far away : Social media has made it easier to maintain relationships with friends who live far away, enabling users to stay connected with people they care about despite the physical distance between them. Users can send messages, share updates, and participate in online groups to stay connected with their friends.

Easier to maintain relationships with old friends : Social media has also made it easier for people to maintain relationships with old friends. People can reconnect with friends from their past through platforms like Facebook, and rekindle relationships that may have otherwise been lost.

These benefits of social media have helped people to maintain their friendships and connect with others in new and innovative ways. By providing an easy and accessible platform for communication and connection, social media has played a significant role in strengthening and preserving our friendships.

While social media has several benefits for friendship, it also has some drawbacks that have contributed to the devaluation of true friendship, including:

The superficial nature of online relationships : Social media often encourages users to present a curated and idealized version of themselves, leading to superficial relationships. People may not reveal their true thoughts and feelings online, making it difficult to form deep and meaningful connections. Worse still, in my society, we often witness scams related to online dating where people have been tricked into sending money or sensitive information to individuals posing as potential romantic partners. These scams often target vulnerable people and can have devastating consequences for their finances and emotional well-being.

Difficulty in forming deep and meaningful connections : The lack of face-to-face interaction and physical touch can make it challenging to form deep and meaningful connections through social media. This can lead to a lack of emotional intimacy and reduced empathy, making it more challenging to develop strong relationships.

The negative impact of social media comparisons on self-esteem : Social media often encourages users to compare themselves with others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This can be damaging to our self-worth and negatively impact our friendships, as people may be less likely to share their vulnerabilities and weaknesses online.

Addiction and obsession : Social media can also be addictive, leading to an obsession with checking notifications and scrolling through feeds. This can interfere with face-to-face interactions and real-life relationships, leading to a decline in true friendship.

These drawbacks of social media on friendship highlight the limitations of online interactions and the importance of maintaining face-to-face relationships. By recognizing these limitations, we can strive to balance our online and face-to-face interactions to preserve the value of true friendship.

Social media has also had an impact on face-to-face interactions, with some people relying more on online interactions rather than in-person ones. The following are some of the effects of social media on face-to-face interactions:

Reduced face-to-face time with friends : With the rise of social media, people are spending less time engaging in face-to-face interactions with friends. People are more likely to spend time scrolling through their social media feeds and sending messages to their friends, rather than spending time together in person.

Decline in interpersonal communication skills : The increased reliance on social media has also contributed to a decline in interpersonal communication skills. People may struggle to communicate effectively in person, as they have become accustomed to relying on social media as their primary means of communication.

Loss of nonverbal cues : Face-to-face interactions are essential for interpreting nonverbal cues, such as body language, tone, and facial expressions. The absence of these cues in online interactions can make it challenging to interpret the emotions and intentions of others, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunications.

The decline in face-to-face interactions and the accompanying decline in interpersonal communication skills and loss of nonverbal cues have contributed to the devaluation of true friendship. By balancing our online and face-to-face interactions, we can maintain the value of true friendship and preserve the importance of face-to-face connections.

In conclusion, social media has both benefits and drawbacks that have impacted the value of true friendship. While social media has made it easier to connect with friends, stay in touch with those who live far away, and reconnect with old friends, it has also encouraged superficial relationships, reduced face-to-face interactions, and contributed to a decline in interpersonal communication skills.

It is essential to recognize the limitations of online interactions and balance our use of social media with face-to-face interactions. By prioritizing in-person interactions and preserving the value of true friendship, we can maintain deep and meaningful relationships with those we care about.

In the end, the impact of social media on friendship is complex and depends on how individuals choose to use it. By being mindful of its potential drawbacks and making an effort to preserve face-to-face interactions, we can ensure that social media does not completely devalue the true and meaningful relationships that form the foundation of our lives.

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Social Media and Friendships Overview

Introduction.

The Internet revolution of the 21st century has redefined the way people meet, make friends, and sustain friendships. Social network sites (SNSs) have changed the conventional meet-and-talk scenarios where people would have face-to-face communication, know each other, and form meaningful friendships. SNSs encourage individuals to visit various social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, among others, create a personal profile, and request other people to become friends. This process seems straightforward, simple, and effective, as it saves people the hustle of meeting physically, which involves planning, traveling, and other logistical issues. SNSs have solved the underlying problems and barriers to communication and making friendships because all that is needed is a simple mobile device and access to Internet connectivity. Additionally, social media has become timeless, and people can connect with each other regardless of location and time. As such, a person in Mumbai, India, would have friends all over the world from Canada in North America to Argentina in South America, Botswana in Africa, Russia in Europe, to Australia. From the outside, this removal of barriers in the process of forming friendships should be celebrated.

However, taking a closer look at the speed at which friendships are developed and the surrounding context, social media has both negative and positive impacts in terms of initiating and nurturing meaningful relationships. To some extent, social media as a medium could be highly ineffective as a channel for maintaining genuine friendships. This paper examines how the introduction of social media has impacted the development of friendships. In particular, it will look at how social media has changed the way relationships are nurtured, the speed at which they are developed, and the context under which they are developed. Finally, the discussion on this topic will highlight both positive and negative impacts, also looking at how relationships might develop under false pretenses, or how social media as a medium may not be as genuine to maintaining friendships.

Problem Statement

Social media plays a central role in the way people interact, communicate, and make friends in modern times. SNSs create an enabling environment for people to connect and become friends within a short time, regardless of time and space. However, based on the guiding principles of friendship, the context under which individuals befriend each other through social media may not facilitate the nurturing of meaningful and lasting relationships. Therefore, it is important to understand these contexts, examine the way through which friendships are nurtured, and assess both negative and positive impacts of social medial on friendships. Ultimately, this paper seeks to discuss why social media, as a medium of communication, might not be the right channel for making and maintaining genuine friendships.

Literature Review

The impacts of social media on friendships have been studied and documented widely in the literature. A study by Linaa Jensen and Scott Serensen (2013) sought to discuss the norms of friendships formed through SNSs by focusing on the privacy of users. This article is about the way people make friends through social media, specifically focusing on the process that individuals follow when letting other people into their circle of online friends. This article sought to address the research question about how SNSs friendship norms are “made more explicit, through strategies of friending, privacy settings, and identity performance, than in “traditional” social relationships, where they are often more implicit” (Linaa Jensen & Scott Serensen, 2013, p. 50). The authors used a qualitative survey to study 1710 Internet users in Denmark, with 970 of them being Facebook users, and later recruited 20 of them in a focus group meeting where their profiles were monitored for 12 months. This article added important knowledge in the area of understanding how social media has affected friendships, especially by highlighting that SNSs allow explicit friendship formations. The results showed that social media allows users to have a “mixture of strong, weak and even latent ties, representing close friends and family as well as mere acquaintances” (Linaa Jensen & Scott Serensen, 2013, p. 60). While the authors did not make suggestions for future research, the results of this study contribute significantly to understanding how social media affects friendship. It is clear that the majority of friendships created over SNSs, especially by young people, are mere acquaintances without lasting utility, which supports the claim that such platforms are not suitable for the maintenance of genuine and long-term relationships.

In another study, Lebedko (2014) sought to examine how social networking, together with globalization, has affected intercultural communication. The article is about how SNSs create platforms that encourage communication through writing as opposed to speech, which affects intercultural communication and changes the conceptualization of friendship. The research question that the author sought to answer is – how globalization, networking, and intercultural communication interact and the way students perceive them and regard the underlying changes to conventional communication. For this study, surveys were conducted using 59 students drawn from a university in Russia, and data was collected through questionnaires. The author added to the knowledge of the subject area by highlighting how people conceptualize friendship in modern times. The results indicated that the concept of friendship has significantly evolved with the use of SNSs. For instance, Lebedko (2014) found that regarding Internet ‘friendship’, “identity can be disguised when ‘friends’ are reluctant to know their ‘friends’ and use nicknames” (p. 34). This assertion points to the negative impacts of social media on friendship, which has become a superficial concept without meaningful connections. For example, as pointed in this study, people are willing to use an alias instead of their real names, which means that they are unwilling to reveal their identity, and thus not yearning for the creation of genuine friendships. The author did not suggest areas for future study.

Similarly, another study by Koban and Krüger (2017) wanted to understand how the strength of ties between individuals affects direct interaction and social surveillance among Facebook friends in both the same and different geographical areas. This article is about the role of social media in maintaining friendships. For example, the article investigated whether social media would play an important role in keeping friendships among people living in different geographical locations. The research questions used in this study include “i) How does tie strength influence social surveillance? ii) Does tie strength moderate the link between physical distance and direct interaction as well as social surveillance? iii) Does tie strength moderate the link between temporal distance and direct interaction?” (Koban & Krüger, 2017, p. 76). The authors surveyed 302 participants to collect data on the role of social media in maintaining long-distance friendships. The authors contributed to the subject area by highlighting that in terms of maintaining friendships, face-to-face interaction is a more effective way as compared to social media. The results showed that even after forming friendships off-line, when face-to-face interaction is minimized, such friendships tend to wane. These findings are important in understanding how social media affects friendship. The data suggest that meaningful and lasting relationships might not be sustained through social media interaction, especially when face-to-face communication is missing. While on the one hand social media allows people who became friends off-line to stay connected even after geographical separation, the strength of such online friendships is weak, which entrenches the concept of “out of sight, out of mind”.

When trying to understand to impact of social media on friendship, it is important to ask some critical questions. In his study, Hall (2016) raised an important research question, “when is social media use social interaction?” (p. 162). This article is about the context under which social media use could be termed as social interaction. For instance, people could be reading posts on Facebook, but such use of social media might not amount to social interaction. Therefore, Hall (2016) seeks to discuss the concept of mediated social interaction within the context of social media use. The quantitative study method was chosen for this research. The author adds to the knowledge of the subject area by indicating that the majority of time spent on social media does not go to social interaction. For instance, when a Facebook user spends time reading newsfeeds and posts by his or her friends, it does not translate into social interaction. On the surface, this engagement creates the illusion that people are communicating or interacting meaningfully; however, a closer look at the data reveals that social media is destroying the concept of friendship. This study found that over 50 percent of time spent on Twitter involves passive consumption of information posted by others and newsfeed, while activities that contribute to meaningful relations, such as chatting, occupied a paltry 4 percent. The implication of these findings is that social media gives users the false hope that they are communicating with their friends, while, in essence, they are not, which ultimately affects friendship negatively. The author gave directions for future studies by stating that research should be conducted to understand both the theoretical and operational differences of social media usage and social interaction.

In another study, Hogan (2018) sought to understand how the quest to ensure the privacy of users’ data on SNSs has affected the process of making friends. This article unpacks the complicated privacy rules that regulate the kind of information concerning users that could be gathered and accessed by third parties, including fellow users. For instance, a person seeking to make friends online is limited in terms of the data that can be accessed about these individuals. The article’s research question is how privacy regulations by SNSs platforms affect generativity and access to users’ data. The author added significant knowledge to the area of the effects of social media on friendships. The results show that social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, have intensified their efforts to protect their users’ data from access by third parties. Hogan (2018) notes that this aspect could be explained using two legitimate considerations, “The first is privacy, which is in the user’s interest, and the second control, which is in the platform’s interest” (p. 603). In the context of making and maintaining friendships, the problem with highly restrictive privacy policies is that they limit people in terms of the background information that could be gathered concerning the involved parties. For instance, if person A wants to become friends with person B, the information about person B that person A could gather is highly limited. Therefore, while on the one hand, social media creates an environment to make friends, it controls the strength of those relationships as people are compelled to connect with strangers with very little knowledge about each other.

As useful platforms of communication and making friendships, SNSs are subject to abuse by various users. In their study, Valencia Ortiz and Castaño Garrido (2019) sought to “examine the extent of addiction of young Mexicans to online social media networks by adapting the Sahin scale” (p. 7). The article is about the negative effects of social media, especially on young users. The research question for the study focused on the extent of addiction to online social media among young Mexicans. The quantitative study method was chosen for this study to understand the extent of addiction to social media. The authors contributed positively to the subject area by providing useful data concerning the state of social media misuse among young people, which ultimately leads to addiction. The results showed that while most respondents were addicted to social media, they were unaware of such addiction, which is dangerous because they cannot seek help. While this study focused on social media addiction, it relates strongly to the effects of SNSs on friendships. One of the issues that arise in this article is that young people are highly addicted to social media, which means that they spend a lot of time on these platforms. Consequently, they lack time for face-to-face communication and interaction with their peers, which ultimately affects the kind of relationships and friendships that they form offline. As such, while social media is a useful tool for connecting people, it is making its users anti-social at the same time, which negatively affects the concept of friendship forming and maintenance.

In yet another study, Dubois et al. (2016) wanted to understand what happens when people share information online with friends and strangers. The article is about word-of-mouth valence changes when subjected to both low and high levels of interpersonal closeness. For instance, when talking about the effects of social media on people’s lives, how does communication this information change based on the level of interpersonal closeness. The research question for this article was on the effect of interpersonal closeness on word-of-mouth valence and the underlying process and boundary conditions (Dubois et al., 2016). The authors used the quantitative study method to conduct four different experiments. This article contributes important knowledge to the subject area by highlighting how interpersonal closeness shapes the communicated information. The results show that people are likely to share the good side of a story with strangers in the quest to enhance their self-image and present themselves as credible. Concerning suggestions for future research, the authors highlighted the need to investigate “how IC might affect the likelihood to share valenced information” (Dubois et al., 2016, p. 724). While this paper is about marketing and how the contents of word-of-mouth are subject to interpersonal closeness, it highlights important aspects of the impacts of social media on friendship. For instance, the article showed that people are likely to focus on their positive sides when talking to strangers. This aspect implies that individuals are likely to misrepresent themselves and create an image of perfection, which is misleading for social media users seeking to make friendships. This assertion explains how innocent people become friends with criminals and serial killers without their knowledge because they are duped into believing that they are dealing with genuine people.

This literature review has explored the various impacts of social media on the concept of friendship. From the data gathered, it is clear that social medial has played a central role in connecting individuals around the world. The ease with which users could access SNSs allows people to make friends from all over the globe within a short period. However, this review has shown the many negative effects of social media on friendships. For instance, the excessive usage of these platforms has led to addiction, which means that people do not have time for face-to-face connections and interactions, and thus meaningful relationships and friendships are on declining among social media users. Additionally, the context under which online friendships are initiated, nurtured, and developed are full of ambiguity, which affects the quality and strength of the resulting relationships. For instance, social media platforms have imposed stringent privacy rules in the interest of protecting the personal and sensitive information of various users. While it is important to keep users’ privacy, this aspect works against the spirit of initiating meaningful friendships. When strangers meet online, the least they can do before starting any form of relationship is to conduct a background check of one another. However, the privacy rules in place do not allow people to access relevant information. Therefore, users are left on their own to figure out the authenticity of their online friends. This problem is compounded by the fact that users can decide to hide their real identities and instead use pseudo names. Consequently, online relationships via social media platforms could develop under pretenses leading to adverse consequences, such as rape and murder, among other social ills. For instance, a serial killer might take advantage of social media to initiate friendships with various victims before luring them to a trap and murdering them ultimately.

One of the interesting findings from this literature review is the idea that the use of social media does not amount to social interaction. People get the impression that they are engaging in social interaction when scrolling through newsfeeds and posts by friends and strangers alike. These arguments, as put forward by Hall (2016), are highly valuable, especially when examining the impact of social media on friendships. Users get the illusion that they are socializing when, in essence, they are consuming information that does not contribute to the basic definition of social interaction. Another interesting issue is the possibility that social media is essentially anti-social, as highlighted by Valencia Ortiz and Castaño Garrido (2019). The widespread of social media misuse leads to addiction means that users do not have the time to form meaningful face-to-face connections and relationships because they spend the majority of their time on social media. Ultimately, such individuals become anti-social because they cannot sustain useful face-to-face conversations. Therefore, it suffices to argue that social media, as a medium, may not be a reliable channel for forming and maintaining genuine friendships. In the future, research should explore ways through which social media could be designed for the creation of lasting friendships.

Dubois, D., Bonezzi, A., & De Angelis, M. (2016). Sharing with friends versus strangers: How interpersonal closeness influences word-of-mouth valence. Journal of Marketing Research , 53 (5), 712-727.

Hall, J. A. (2018). When is social media use social interaction? Defining mediated social interaction. New Media & Society, 20 (1), 162-179.

Hogan, B. (2018). Social media giveth, social media taketh away: Facebook, friendships, and APIs. International Journal of Communication, 12 , 592-611.

Koban, K., & Krüger, S. (2018). Out of sight, (not yet) out of mind: The impact of tie strength on direct interaction and social surveillance among geographically close and long-distance Facebook friends. Communication Research Reports , 35 (1), 74-84.

Lebedko, M. G. (2014). Globalization, networking, and intercultural communication. Intercultural Communication Studies , 23 (1), 712-727.

Linaa Jensen, J., & Scott Serensen, A. (2013). “Nobody has 257 friends” strategies of friending, disclosure and privacy on Facebook. Nordicom Review, 34 (1), 49-62.

Valencia Ortiz, R., & Castaño Garrido, C. (2019). Use and abuse of social media by adolescents: A study in Mexico . Píxel-BIT Revista de Medios y Educación , 54, 7-28.

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Social Media Essay Examples

Social media has become an integral part of modern society, impacting communication, culture, and various aspects of daily life. An essay example focused on social media serves a crucial purpose in exploring the effects, implications, and nuances of this digital phenomenon. It provides readers with a tangible illustration of how social media influences behavior, relationships, and society as a whole. One of the primary goals of essays on social media is to analyze trends, patterns, and behaviors that emerge within online platforms. These essays can delve into how individuals interact, share information, and form communities in the digital realm. By examining these behaviors, readers gain insights into the evolving nature of communication.

Exploration of Impact on Relationships Social media’s impact on relationships, both personal and professional, is a significant topic of discussion. Essay examples can explore how social media influences interpersonal connections, intimacy, and the dynamics of friendships, family relationships, and romantic partnerships. Essays on social media often address privacy concerns and ethical considerations. These essays can analyze how personal data is collected, shared, and monetized on social platforms. Discussions about the ethical use of data and the potential for exploitation are crucial in the age of digital information. Writing Tips for Social Media Essays:

Focus on a Specific Aspect: Choose a specific angle or aspect of social media to explore in your essay, whether it’s a particular platform, a trend, or an impact. Thesis Statement: Start with a clear thesis that outlines your main argument or perspective on the topic. Evidence-Based: Support your arguments with relevant data, statistics, case studies, and real-life examples. Critical Analysis: Engage in critical analysis of the positive and negative effects of social media, considering both sides of the argument. Cohesion and Structure: Organize your essay logically, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and cohesively. Ethical Considerations: Discuss ethical concerns related to social media use, such as privacy, online harassment, and the spread of misinformation. Future Implications: Consider the potential future developments and impacts of social media in your essay.

A social media essay example serves as a means to dissect the intricate relationship between technology, communication, and society. By studying and analyzing these examples, readers can gain insights into the multifaceted effects of social media, the complexities of online interactions, and the potential ramifications for individuals and communities.

About Modern Communication: How Social Media Change Life

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Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills: Its Ups and Downs

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The Influence of Social Media on Self-esteem

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Agree Or Disagree: Media Reduce Meaningful Interaction Between People

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About Social Media

Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, WeChat, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.

Six Degrees is widely considered to be the very first social networking site, founded by Andrew Weinreich in May 1996

Social media are interactive technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression through virtual communities and networks.

Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram,Twitter, WeChat, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.

Social media may take the form of a variety of tech-enabled activities: Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn),Media Sharing Networks (Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube), Discussion Forums (Reddit, Quora, Digg),Bookmarking & Content Curation Networks (Pinterest, Flipboard),Consumer Review Networks (Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor), Blogging & Publishing Networks (WordPress, Tumblr, Medium),Social Shopping Networks (Polyvore, Etsy, Fancy), Interest-Based Networks(Goodreads, Houzz, Last.fm)

Social media is a big monster today. It’s a very large ocean with uncountable content, news and information. The average internet user has 8.6 social media accounts and every 6.4 seconds a new account has been created. Today in excess of 3.2 billion photos and 720,000 hours of video are shared per day across social media. 91% of retail brands use 2 or more social media channels.

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