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The term social media refers to a computer-based technology that enables us to share our thoughts, ideas and information through virtual networks and communities. Social media is Internet-based and quickly establishes electronic communication on things like users' personal information, files, videos and photos. Users engage with social media through web-based software or applications via a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Social media is ubiquitous in the US and Europe, with Asian countries such as Indonesia topping the list.
There are more than 3.8 billion social media users worldwide. Social media is an ever-changing and growing field, with new apps like TikTok and Clubhouse seemingly coming out every year, joining the ranks of established social networks like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. By 2023, the number of social media users in the United States is projected to grow by approximately 257 million.
The benefits of social media
Social media has changed the way we all interact with each other online. It gives us the ability to discover what's happening in the world in real-time, connect with each other and keep in touch with friends from far and wide, and access endless amounts of information at our fingertips. In many ways, social media has helped many people find common ground with others online, making the world more accessible.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the use of social media is associated with more friendly and more diverse personal networks, especially in emerging economies. For many teens, friendships can actually begin, with 57% of teens meeting a friend online.
Businesses are using social media marketing to target their customers directly on their phones and computers, creating a follower to build a loyal fan base and creating a culture behind their own brand. Some companies, such as Denny's, use their own language and personality to create complete personalities on Twitter to market to younger consumers.
Examples of social media
While there is a positive side to social media, many point to the platform and call it a negative feature, comparing its overuse to an addiction. Some competitions contribute to inattention, stress, and violence. The National Center for Biotechnology's information has led to widespread frustration with the widespread use of social media. Social media can also be a carrier for misleading information and lies
Facebook is the world's largest social media platform, with obvious advantages over other social media, although it has the same audience as others like Twitter and Instagram. The statistics of the most popular social media websites as of January 2021 are as follows:
Facebook (2.74 billion users)
YouTube (2.29 billion users)
WhatsApp (2 billion users)
Facebook Messenger (1.3 billion users)
Instagram (1.22 billion users)
Whatsapp (1.21 billion users)
TikTok (689 million users)
QQ (617 million users)
Douyin (600 million users)
Sino Weibo (511 million users)
