By Nelson Muthomi Ledama Mati
Social media isn’t just a trend, it’s a seismic shift that has transformed the way we interact, do business, and entertain ourselves. As Ben Luketvich, site editor for Tech Target, describes it, social media is “a collective term for websites and applications that focus on communication, community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration.” While this definition covers the basics, it’s the focus on community-based input and collaboration that truly encapsulates the essence of social media today.
Initially, social media served as a platform for the general public to share input on various topics, reconnect with distant friends, or update relatives on their lives. Over time, its use evolved, becoming a hub for content sharing and a means of making money through talent or spare time.
Why is social media a revolution? It has reshaped businesses, entertainment, financial independence, and countless other areas by offering popularity, efficiency, and convenience. For instance, companies now leverage digital media professionals to capitalize on their online presence, avoiding the need to spend millions on traditional marketing. Another example is how, in the past, people invested in expensive projectors and spent hours at videotape stores to find movies. Today, with just a few clicks online, anyone can access their desired content with minimal hassle, thanks to the technological advancements that social media embodies.
But as with any revolution, there’s debate. Now that we’ve explored the reasons behind this revolution, I pose a question to you, the reader: Is social media a good revolution or a bad one? My answer: a bad one. The reason? Improper regulation and overly strict content moderation policies that often infringe upon universal human freedom of speech.