24 advantages and disadvantages of social networks

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram… There are countless applications and social networks, both for adults and young people. Social networks have different functions, different platforms and are aimed at a certain audience very active on the Internet and interested in keeping in touch with many people or making themselves known public.

It is a technological revolution that was installed in our lives at the beginning of the millennium and it seems that its exploitation is infinite. Benefit or scourge? Below you can see 12 advantages and 12 disadvantages of social networks.

• Related article: "The psychology behind social networks: the unwritten code of behavior"

Advantages of social networks

Bad habits that are acquired on social networks are always insisted on, but not everything is bad nor will it lead us to the path of perdition.

1. Global connectivity

These portals allow us to connect with those friends or relatives with whom we have long lost contact. If we are going to live outside for a while, it becomes an essential tool.

2. virtual groups

It is one of the great pluses. Groups, of any kind, allow you to exchange impressions and/or resolve existing doubts. In part, they have replaced Internet forums.

3. Instant messaging

Not long ago people had only two means of communication: physical letter or cable telephone, which did not always offer a good service. Thanks to chats on social networks we can communicate with whoever we want in real time.

4. Additional Information

It is an effective alternative to the conventional media that until recently monopolized the sector. Now it is much easier find other sources of information.

5. Advertising

Infojobs, Jobtalent or Linkedln are the most used portals to find work. The current difficulties in looking for a job have turned these social networks into authentic showcases for publicizing our professional skills.

6. Skill Exchange

Learning languages, teaching a trade in exchange for another or sharing hobbies is another characteristic that has allowed a new way of relating socially.

7. Project a business

The companies can get in touch with potential customers, potential candidates or give greater visibility to the product, which they offer in a more efficient way.

8. Transparency

Social networks are probably the most transparent and universal means of communication of all, since there are no social or cultural barriers that prevent their use.

9. A democratizing medium

In line with the previous point, on social networks we can publish any type of information, photo, advertisement or even texts about political ideologies.

10. Empower activism

Nowadays corruption plots, crimes or some social inequalities come to light thanks to the collective complaint that you can do campaigns on Facebook or Twitter. One of the advantages of social networks with a greater impact on the political landscape.

11. Knowledge

You can find countless people who share their academic knowledge through social networks. Even there are those who post videos as a virtual class.

12. Versatility

Over the years, these portals have been changing their functions. What began as a page where we can post our best photos can also become a way to meet people with similar interests or to find information. What does the future hold?

Its disadvantages

Now we will see the possible dangers of these tools.

1. Privacy

It is surely the first concern that you have as a user. Being so exposed, it is not known where the limit is in our privacy.

2. Fraud

It is related to point number 1. We must be very careful with the information we share (bank details, locations) and attempt to change the account password periodically to prevent identity theft, among others.

3. Less personal contact

Being a comfortable means of communication and present on mobile devices, they are often abused, losing the social skills that characterize the human being.

4. Breakup

The mismanagement of social networks with the couple can cause serious problems in the relationship. Jealousy, mobile phone addiction, anxiety when being exposed to the other person's posts...

• Related article: "The 6 uncomfortable truths about the breakup of a couple"

5. abuse of use

Many users are staunchly addicted to its use, people who have come to need professional treatment to be able to control their impulses to be permanently connected.

6. productive deficiency

The mobile adaptation of all social portals has negatively influenced the workplace, with cases of serious accidents or the decrease in productive performance due to distractions.

7. online bullying

Teenagers are easy targets to fall for this social phenomenon. Possessing mobile devices too early can cause children to make bad contacts or share compromising information to humiliate others.

• Related article: "Cyberbullying: analyzing the characteristics of virtual bullying"

8. Pederasty

Unfortunately, the ease of sharing photos and videos are advantages that criminal organizations take advantage of to weave a web of videos and photos of a sexual nature.

9. false self esteem

The self-esteem is influenced by the numerous “likes” that other users click on the photos that are posted. This, the lack of "likes", can cause low self-esteem.

10. bad corporate image

In the same way that the good image of a company can be promoted, can also quickly spread a bad image in a specific case, such as having sold a product in a defective state.

11. False information

Undoubtedly one of the most notorious disadvantages. Global connectivity has made many fake news and events go viral.

12. false need

The importance that is being given to social networks, sometimes in an exaggerated way, has created a kind of artificial necessity. How many times do we worry about having wi-fi while traveling?