Social media has grown rapidly thanks to the development of mobile internet environments and easy-to-use interfaces, and has had a huge impact on not only human communication, but also on society as a whole. However, it has also created side effects, such as addiction, privacy breaches, and the spread of misinformation, which require careful use.

Definition and development of SNS

In modern society, social network services (SNS) are one of the most important elements that are closely connected to the public’s daily life. Anyone who is influenced by mass media has heard of SNSs at one time or another, and even those who don’t use SNSs directly may be exposed to them indirectly through family, friends, or acquaintances who use them. It’s also common to see people using SNSs in public places such as buses and subways. As you can see, social media has become an ubiquitous part of our daily lives, and its influence is only growing. So what is social media, and why has it grown so rapidly in recent years?
The dictionary defines a social network service as “a service that allows users to form social networks on the web,” with Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook being some of the most common examples. The National Institute of Standards and Technology explains that social networking services can also be translated into Korean as “nuri communications network.” In other words, social networking services are services on the web that provide the ability to form relationships and communicate.
It’s worth noting the scope of relationships. Basically, humans are social beings, and we live our lives in relationships with other people. These relationships start one-on-one and grow into a network of relationships with groups and eventually society. The development of social media is similar to this process. Starting from simple relationships where people exchanged information through computers, the development of computer networks made it possible to form relationships between people. This is how social networks emerged. As technology has evolved, SNS has become a place for communication that goes beyond relationships between people to include businesses and society as a whole. In other words, SNS has gone beyond a network of people to form a network of connections between social components. The Korean expression of SNS, ‘Nuri Communication Network’, where ‘Nuri’ means ‘world’, also reflects this.

Growth factors of the SNS industry

One of the main reasons for the rapid growth of the SNS industry in recent years is the development of the mobile Internet environment. According to a 2011 survey, the number of SNS users based on wired internet did not increase significantly, but the number of SNS users using mobile internet increased by 108%. Thanks to the development of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs, users no longer have to sit in front of a computer to access SNS anytime, anywhere.
The simple interface of social media also contributes to its popularity. There’s no need to title a post, and the short comment format makes it less intimidating, and the ability to interact with others in real time allows for dynamic communication unlike traditional bulletin boards.

The positive impact of social media

Social media not only provides convenience for users, but it also enriches our lives in many ways. For example, it’s easy to share personal experiences, whether it’s sharing photos from a trip or discussing your thoughts after seeing a play with others. It’s also a way to spread information quickly, helping to inform and support people in real time. The recent presidential election is a prime example of the social role of social media, with people from all walks of life using social media to encourage people to vote.

Side effects and challenges of social media

However, with all of these benefits, there are definitely some downsides to social media. Many users complain of mental fatigue and adverse effects on their daily lives due to being too engrossed in social media, which has led to the coining of the term “social media addiction.” Habitual social media use can make it difficult to manage your time and focus on other important things. Privacy leaks are also one of the major risks of social media. Unintentional and unwanted information can be provided to others, and there is also the potential for commercial exploitation.

Conclusion

Social media has a huge impact on modern life and affects society in a variety of ways, both positive and negative. It is important for users to use social media appropriately and to pay attention to time management and privacy to avoid negative consequences. Information on social media should be taken with a grain of salt, and blind trust should be avoided.