Has Social Media Made People More Empathetic? Essay Example

Introduction

The world is more connected than ever, and social media has developed into an effective tool for connecting and communicating. Nevertheless, in recent years, there has been discussion on whether social media has increased user empathy. (Nicole, 1). Social media is constantly evolving; therefore, it is crucial to follow this development and continue looking for methods to make the best use of the resources at your disposal. Through my personal experiences and evidence from reliable sources such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, I will explore and explain why social media has positively affected empathy.

My experience with social media has cemented my belief that it has increased people’s empathy. As an active user of Twitter, I have seen firsthand how social media can provide a platform to highlight important issues and connect with people worldwide. By connecting with people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, I have become more aware of those suffering in ways I could never have imagined. This, in turn, has encouraged me to be more understanding and compassionate toward others. Additionally, research from The New York Times supports this claim, showing that the “vast majority of people who use the internet and social media more often have a more open-minded attitude and show increased levels of empathy towards others” (Sree 2). When using social media, it is good to set boundaries; setting boundaries involves setting limits on how much time you spend on social media each day and what kind of content you are exposed to. Understanding the risks associated with social media includes being aware of cyber-bullying and other forms of online harassment and the potential for identity theft or other malicious activity. Monitoring your usage involves being mindful of how often you are checking your accounts and limiting yourself if necessary.

Social media has not just allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds. Still, it has also let me listen in on conversations between people of different ages, races, and countries. This has enabled me to distance myself from my own life and absorb what it is like to view the world through someone else’s eyes. It has also allowed for the spread of information and ideas, enhancing our understanding of different cultures and opinions. A study from The Wall Street Journal brings out human to feel better in questions of identity, leading to more empathy. This was echoed by the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Lorraine Sheridan, who stated that “people have become more open-minded and less judgmental since social media began” (Sree 2).

In addition to connecting with and observing others, social media has also enabled me to participate in acts of kindness that would have been much more difficult without technology. Using communities such as Facebook and Reddit, I have found support networks and ways to help those struggling. By making entertaining, informative, and useful content, you can stay in front of your audience and strengthen customer relationships. For example, you could show your audience how to stay healthy at home during a pandemic. For example, during the pandemic, I participated in several donation drives to provide food and resources to those in need. I also participated in online events to raise money for causes like fighting poverty and improving healthcare. You could look for ways to give advice about healthy lifestyle practices, such as eating nutrient-rich foods or getting regular exercise. You could also curate content from experts in the health field, such as medical professionals or nutritionists. Additionally, Reuters reported that “social media platforms have been essential in driving fundraising campaigns, donations and volunteering efforts around the world,” proving that social media can be a powerful force for good (Georgia 1).

Conclusion

I have seen and heard from reliable sources that social media can make people more empathetic. As a result of interacting with people on social media, I have expanded my knowledge of situations beyond my understanding. This has encouraged me to take action to help those in need. Thus, social media has made peoples’ lives richer, more connected, and ultimately more empathetic.

Works Cited

Georgia Wells, 2021How People Can Make Smarter—and Healthier—Social-Media Choices

Nicole Daniels (2021). How Does Social Media Affect Your Mental Health: The New York Times

Sree Sreenivasan (2021). How to Use Social Media in Your Career: The New York Times