Over the past couple of years, Social Media has gotten a lot of attention due to its wide range of problems. Issues such as cyberbullying, mental health concerns and dangerous stunts being filmed simply for the “clout” often take center stage. Although these are important issues to address, all the good that social media has done for the world should also not be forgotten.

Highlights Social Issues

Social media sites such as Facebook have been used throughout the years to gather like-minded people and organize around certain issues such as climate change or a baseless war. It has also helped those within developing countries to finally have a voice on the international media stage. You only have to look at the “Facebook revolutions” of the Middle East to see how truly powerful social media can be in bringing much-wanted change. For many repressive governments, the truth is what they fear most. Social media allows those truths to be spoken and spread throughout the world. Social media also puts us in direct contact with people with different experiences so they can learn and grow together.

Keeps People Accountable

Smartphones and their social media connections have been used to keep the authorities in check and accountable for their actions. In the past, claims of political or police abuse used to be thrown out as false information or dismissed with a denial. However, today, through social media features such as Facebook or Instagram Live, people can quickly see live video of a person of authority abusing their power. You can legally record police, and thanks to social media any bad apples are quickly brought to attention. This can quickly lead to a negative public opinion toward a certain department, organization or political figure. While this may seem like a negative thing, it can protect those who are at a disadvantage and it can also be used to bring attention to those who are doing good.

Brings Much Needed Aid

Nothing brings out the good in people more than having to work together after a disaster. The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy left thousands of people without homes, and many were stranded without food or a means to communicate with the world. Social media quickly got on the case, and within hours, over 20 million tweets were sent out to gather supplies, food and funds for those left without homes. This even led FEMA to create its own Facebook account in order to keep people informed about the events on the ground. Nowadays, many people use social media to bring attention to groups that need help or causes close to their hearts.

Though social media tends to get a bad reputation on the news, it has also done great amounts of good in the world. So much of the experience that people have depends on what they are looking for. These examples represent only the tip of the iceberg of all the positive impacts of social media.

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