Can Social Media Replace Communication In The Real World?

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Can Social Media Replace Communication In The Real World?
Social media can be described as the collective communication channels used for community-based input, content-sharing, interactions, and collaborations. The most prominent examples of social media include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Reddit, Google+ and Wikipedia (Glaeser 50). The common elements of social media comprise user accounts, profile pages which contain information concerning a user, news feeds, personalization, notifications, and the ability to update post or save information, like buttons and comment sections as well as systems for reviewing, rating and voting. Like any other platform for interaction, social media provided a wide range of benefits for its users. However, even with all the pros of communication as made available by social media, the question still remains as to whether it can replace communication in the world. The understudy seeks to explain why communication in the real world cannot be replaced by first exploring the benefits of social media then determining how and why these cannot take the place of the face- to- face interactions.
The world is increasingly becoming a global village. This is a common phrase that expresses the increased worldwide connectivity which has been made easier and faster through social media platforms. Users can make new friends or build business connections via a simple search and click of a button. This has resulted in people seeking and finding jobs and romances in addition to asking for help or giving and receiving referrals on products and services.
Users of social media have the option of choosing individuals whose interests are similar to their own. For instance, Facebook has different pages created by users that comprise a variety of topics ranging from politics to tips on parenting where individuals who share in such interests can join and interact with people with the same likes or dislikes. It can also provide a basis for sharing ideas with the best example being Pinterest which makes available information about a lot of do- it –yourself (DIY) activities such as crafting, gardening or cooking (Issa et al. 76).
There is also increased speed in the circulation of news. Most news companies depends on social media to gather as well as share information, particularly Twitter. News stations have accounts on social media where news can be updated in real time. These accounts have a comment section where fans and followers can give their views on the news posted or being aired live.
Social media can also be used to promote noble causes such as the work of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in marginalized communities across the world or to ask for donations for needy people. Sites such as the Go Fund Me page have been used to raise funds to cater for treatments for patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer and to help people who have lost their homes due to natural disasters such as fires, floods, and earthquakes. Social media can also be used to create and promote awareness on certain issues such as health, nutrition and rights and freedoms of people.
The growth in continuous interactions on social media has been made possible...