INTRODUCTION

In the age of technology, where the world has become more interconnected than ever
before, social media stands at the forefront of modern communication. Social media
encompasses a diverse range of technologies that not only allow the exchange of ideas,
thoughts, and views but also facilitate seamless communication across vast distances. It
has transformed the way people connect, communicate, and interact with one another,
shaping a digital era where interactions know no geographical bounds.
According to Statista, the number of social media users worldwide has grown from 970
million in 2010 to 4.62 billion in 2022. This represents a staggering increase of over
370% in just over a decade. In the United States, 72% of adults use social media,
according to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey. Social media usage is highest among
Gen Z, with 97% of users aged 13-17 using at least one social media platform,
according to Oberlo.
Social media has had a profound impact on the way we communicate. In the past,
communication was largely limited to face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and letters.
However, social media has made it possible to connect with people from all over the
world with just a few clicks. We can now stay in touch with friends and family who live
far away, share our thoughts and experiences with a global audience, and learn about
new cultures and perspectives.
Social media has also transformed the way we consume news and information. In the
past, we had to rely on traditional media outlets such as newspapers and television for
our news. However, social media has given us a platform to share and consume news
and information from a variety of sources. This has helped to democratize the media
and has given a voice to marginalized groups who were previously underrepresented in
traditional media.
While social media has many benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks
as well. For example, social media can be used to spread misinformation and
disinformation. It can also be used to bully and harass others. It is important to be
critical of the information we see on social media and to use it responsibly.

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 The Power of Connection
People turn to social media platforms to engage with others, and its influence on human
connectivity cannot be overstated. It is akin to a digital bridge that has the power to
connect individuals from Nepal to the United States, making our world a truly global
village. The ease and convenience that social media offers have simplified the lives of
people from all walks of life. Whether it's for personal relationships, professional
networking, or simply staying updated with global news, social media has become an
integral part of our lives.

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 THE MANY FACETS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media's characteristics are multifaceted and encompass a range of functionalities:

Publishing Content: Users can create and disseminate various forms of content, such
as text posts, photos, videos, and links.

Interactivity: Social media platforms encourage interaction through likes, comments,

shares, and reactions. It's a dynamic space where users engage with content and one
another.

Networks and Connections: The notion of "friending," "following," and "subscribing"

allows users to establish meaningful connections. These connections transcend
geographic barriers, forging friendships, partnerships, and collaborations.

Real-Time Communication: Many social media platforms support real-time

communication through chat, messaging, and live streaming. This real-time element
fosters immediacy in global conversations
.

Social Media in Nepal

Nepal is a developing country with a rapidly growing social media user base.
According to DataReportal, there were 12.60 million social media users in
Nepal in January 2023, equating to 41.0 percent of the total population. This
figure is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as internet
penetration and smartphone ownership continue to increase.

The most popular social media platforms in Nepal are Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter, and YouTube. Facebook is by far the most popular platform, with over
10 million users in Nepal. Instagram is also very popular, especially among
young people. Twitter is used by a smaller number of people, but it is a popular

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platform for news and political commentary. YouTube is used by many
Nepalese to watch music videos, movies, and other educational and
entertainment content.

Social media has had a significant impact on Nepalese society. It has helped to
break down geographical and social barriers, connecting people from all walks
of life. Social media has also played an important role in raising awareness of
social and political issues, and in mobilizing people for social change.

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 GLOBAL REACH AND IMPACT

In April 2023, a big report by Datareportal told us that more than half of the people in
the world, over 60%, use social media. That's a whopping 4.80 billion people! And get
this – 150 million more joined just in the last year. This is like nearly everyone on the
planet.

This tells us something important about our digital age. Social media has become this
huge thing that connects people everywhere. It doesn't matter where you're from or
what language you speak; you can share your life, your job, and even your dreams with
others.

So, it's like a big bridge that brings people together, breaking down the walls of distance
and cultural differences. It's not just for chatting with friends; it's a way for people to
connect and share their lives and ideas on a global scale.
 VIEWING SOCIAL MEDIA THROUGH
DIFFERENT LENSES

Social media means different things to different people. Some see it as a way to make
friends from all around the world and connect across borders. They think it's a great
way to learn about other cultures and make new friends.
On the other hand, some folks see social media as a tool for talking to the people they
already know – like friends, co-workers, and family. They use it to keep in touch and
share updates with the people in their everyday lives.
So, social media can be like a global hangout for some and a way to chat with the folks
you know for others. It's kind of like a Swiss Army knife for communication, fitting
different needs and preferences.

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 Positive Effects of Social Media

Connecting with Others: The positive effects of social media are diverse and
profound. At the heart of it is the ability to connect with friends and family, regardless of
their location. It's also a fertile ground for meeting new people who share common
interests, fostering connections that might have been impossible otherwise.

Learning and Education: Social media is not limited to personal connections; it is also
a formidable tool for learning and education. Educational resources abound on these
platforms, and learners can collaborate to exchange ideas and work together on projects.
The potential for lifelong learning is truly boundless.

Building Communities: One of the underappreciated aspects of social media is its

capacity to foster communities. People with shared interests can join groups and engage
in discussions about hobbies, sports, or political views. These virtual communities offer
a sense of belonging that resonates with users worldwide.

Raising Awareness and Activism: In the realm of social change and advocacy, social
media plays a pivotal role. It is a powerful tool for raising awareness about critical
issues and mobilizing people to take action. Historic movements like the Arab Spring
and the Black Lives Matter campaign found their origins and strength in the digital
spaces of social media.

Entertainment: Social media is also a potent source of entertainment. Users can watch
videos, listen to music, play games, and read articles, often within the same platform
that connects them to loved ones and the world.

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 THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF
SOCIAL MEDIA
The utopia of social media isn't without its dystopian aspects:

Addiction: One of the most prominent issues is addiction. The engaging nature of
social media can lead to excessive screen time, sleep deprivation, social isolation, and
decreased productivity. The allure of the digital realm can be overpowering.

Mental Health Impact: The negative impact on mental health is a well-documented

concern. For some, social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low
self-esteem. This is particularly true for young people who are in the process of shaping
their self-identity.

Cyberbullying: Regrettably, the very platform that connects people can also be used to
harm them. Cyberbullying, a devastating manifestation of online aggression, has severe
emotional and psychological consequences for victims.

Misinformation: Social media can serve as a breeding ground for misinformation and
disinformation. Misleading narratives and false information can lead to ill-informed
decisions, impacting both individual choices and collective behaviors.

Privacy Concerns: The treasure trove of user data that social media platforms collect
raises legitimate privacy concerns. This data can be exploited for targeted advertising
and can potentially be hacked or leaked, compromising individuals' personal
information.

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Responsible Usage: The Correct Way to
Navigate Social Media
To maximize the benefits of social media while minimizing its negative impact,
individuals can adopt a series of best practices:

Time Management: Consciously allocate time for social media and adhere to self-
imposed limits. Striking a balance between the digital and physical world is essential.

Selective Engagement: Be discerning about whom you follow and the content you
consume. Prioritize content that informs, inspires, and uplifts. Curate your digital world
to reflect your interests and values.

Digital Detox: Periodically disconnect from social media to engage in face-to-face

interactions with friends and family or partake in offline activities that bring joy and
relaxation.

Privacy Awareness: Exercise vigilance in sharing personal information. Avoid posting

anything that you wouldn't want the entire world to see, and be mindful of the data you
share with social media platforms.

Online Vigilance: Be aware of the risks associated with cyberbullying and online
scams. If you encounter inappropriate content or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to
the social media platform to help maintain a safe digital environment.

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 SAFEGUARDING AGAINST
CYBERCRIMES
In an age where digital threats loom, safeguarding against cybercrimes is paramount.
Here are guidelines to protect your digital presence:

Security Measures: Strengthen your digital fortress by using robust passwords and
implementing two-factor authentication across all social media accounts. This extra
layer of security significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Hyperlinks and Attachments: Exercise caution when clicking on links and opening
attachments, especially if they originate from unfamiliar or suspicious sources.
Cybercriminals often exploit these pathways for malicious purposes.

Guard Personal Information: Protect your personal information diligently. Avoid

sharing sensitive data with strangers online, as this can be leveraged for identity theft,
scams, or other malicious activities.

Online Scam Awareness: Be vigilant about online scams and fraud. Educate yourself
about common schemes and remain skeptical of unsolicited offers, particularly those
that promise quick financial gains.

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 Conclusion
In conclusion, social media is a dynamic and influential force, one that shapes our
personal and professional lives, our connections, and even our societal narratives. Its
impact is undeniable, offering both positive and negative aspects. The responsibility of
navigating this digital realm lies with each user. By using social media thoughtfully,
responsibly, and with a keen awareness of its potential pitfalls, we can harness its power
while safeguarding our well-being in this digital age.

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 References

1. Statista. (2023). Number of social media users worldwide 2010-2022.

Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/278622/number-of-
social-network-users-worldwide/
2. Pew Research Center. (2022). Social Media Use in 2021. Retrieved from
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/social-media-use-in-
2021/
3. Oberlo. (2023). Social Media Statistics 2023: How Many People Use
Social Media in2023. Retrieved from
https://www.oberlo.com/blog/social-media-statistics
4. DataReportal. (2023). Digital 2023: Global Overview Report. Retrieved
from https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-global-overview-report

*Also the references were taken from Google and Wikipedia.

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