By
Firdausi Umar.
Social media is an internet-based form of communication platforms which allow users to have conversations, share information and create web-content.
The main purpose of social media is sharing, learning, interacting and marketing. As we all know they are many types of social media, in this article we will explain some of the types and their examples.
We have the social networks: such types of social media are used to associate with individuals (and brands) on the web they help your business via branding, social awareness, relationship building, customer service, lead generation and conversion, examples of social networks are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
We have media sharing Networks: Media sharing types of social media are used to find and share photographs, live video and other kinds of media on the web. they are also going to help you in brand building, lead generation, targeting and so on. examples of media sharing Networks are Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.
We have the discussion forums: such types of social media channels are used for finding ,sharing and discussing different kinds of information, opinions and news. examples are Reddit, Quora, DiDigg.
We have the Bookmarking and content curation Networks: opting for such types of social media will help you find out ,share discuss and save a variety of latest content and media that are trending as well examples are Pinterest, Flipboard.
We have customer Review Networks: using customer Review Networks will help you find out, share and review different information about a variety of products, services or brands examples are Yelp, Zomato, Trip Advisor.
We have the Blogging and publishing Networks: you should choose these types of social media Networks for publishing, discovering and commenting on articles, social media blogs and other content on the web. examples are WordPress, Tumblr, medium.
last but not the least we have the social shopping networks: want to find out all the latest trends in the marketing or crave to know the shopping tips then such types of social media channels are for you. examples are Polyvore, Etsy,.
The effects of social media on youth are; I will divide this part into two: the positive and the negative effects.
The positive effect are as follows:
Social media can create peer motivation, inspiring young people to develop healthy habits, try something new, follow their dreams, and speak up about things that matter to them. Social Media enables youth to communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world.
I personally do communicates with my friends through this social media platforms, some of them I can’t meet them in person because we are too far but through social media we can chat, do voice calls and video calls. Social media also serves as mode of entertainment and self expression: social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram provide space for youth to interact with people of similar interests across the globe.
Could be a source of inspiration: online documentaries, movies, inspirational stories on the internet, print and broadcast media can be a source of inspiration for youth. They can sit down and watch real life based movies such as Steve jobs and Chaplin to get inspired in life.
Social media helps in developing social skills some youths are introverted, for them social media is a free environment where they can interact without much hesitation. Social Networking helps them develop social skills that are necessary for effective communication. Effective communication is necessary to develop and maintain relationship.
Make them aware of the importance of health; media disseminates information on health and well being. A youth who pays attention to such information is more likely to be aware of various issues like teen depression, childhood obesity e.t.c and their possible solutions. this might help them make informed and healthy lifestyle choice.
Let’s now talk about the other part that is the negative effects of social media:
It makes our youth lazy, they spend most of their time on their mobile phones even if it is time for them to study, which can lead to the destruction of their careers.
Youths nowadays find themselves in dirty acts on this social media like watching pornographic videos, and the rest. Youth may also develop mental health concerns. They can also develop erroneous beliefs.
Finally, social media is blessing that can be enjoyed in a right way, social media simplifies our day to day activities.
Firdausi Umar Jibril. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gusau. Zamfara State.
