Social Media

Someone claims that most social media like Facebook and Twitter is just a fashion which cannot last long. However, some others contend that it generates real value and therefore can continue to survive. Which side do you agree with? Give three reasons to support your views.

In the face of digital revolution, the first response of older generations is to resist joining. But, sooner or later, they accept and even immerse themselves into such deluge. This especially holds true for those social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The increasing number of active members above the age of 30 around the world reveals the fact that these digital social platforms are getting ingrained into the adults’ life, not to mention the world of youngsters. To me, social media is definitely not a bandwagon that we have just a moment of passion to join.

Social media creates a new way to maintain existing human relationships. It allows us to keep in touch with our friends, even in the absence of direct ‘face time’. Facebook and Twitter provide a constant flow of information via short updates from everyone a user knows. They enable us to convey information without forcing others to interact. It seems as though the relevant parties did not get any contact. Actually, they have learnt each other well in an impersonal way. This extra convenience afforded by most social media proves its permanent existing value.

The networking sites can generate business value. Many enterprises launch promotions through Facebook to draw customers’ attention and rate its popularity by the number of Facebook ‘friends’. In addition, they will earn support for their business ideas by obtaining Facebook ‘like’ as many as possible. In fact, the wide exposure of social media has altered the global business culture: companies tend to foster more innovative ideas in their Facebook accounts than in their own websites.

Politically, social media raises the possibility of conversation between citizens and the authorities. This enhances the mutual understanding in policy formulation. The power of social media to group people could enlarge the scale of the public’s criticisms and more likely transform them into concrete movements against the government’s misbehavior. These online social platforms provide an efficient channel for the public to monitor the performance of public services. In pursuit of social harmony, it has its own long-term merits.

It is foreseeable that most social media will continue to interact with the culture and then evolve into distinct forms and shapes to meet our lifelong interests. I believe that these social networking sites will be our permanent experience.