We rarely meet people who are off social media. Instead, you might regard those without social presence as unnatural, as it has become integral to our lives. While it initially came into existence to communicate with family and friends, it combined various other uses. Over time, businesses utilized platforms to promote their brands, students found study materials, and others scrolled endlessly for entertainment.
But the main question remains. What is social media’s primary purpose? While some argue it is for learning novel information, others claim it is solely for entertainment. But from an objective point of view, the platforms online can be for both. In this article, you can learn about the various means of consuming social media for entertainment and education. Then, you can produce an informed decision about each.
How Social Media Merges Education & Entertainment
Scrolling Instagram right before sleep is a habit many have picked up. However, if you expose yourself to adequate information, you might gain knowledge while scrolling through entertainment. All students find samples specifically about entertainment essay to assist them. Reflecting upon a free example allows you to draw inspiration between your academic life and the amusement you absorb. You inevitably will have to draft an essay during your school years, so why not merge both topics to produce a much more exciting piece?
To further elaborate, if you have ever seen reels on Instagram or TikTok, then you know how pointless many can be. However, if you target specific pages, you will be surprised at how beneficial they are. People turn to social media for inspiration and to learn different skills. At this point, you can find any art, sport, recreation, or craft online. Other students follow scientific pages to increase their knowledge base. That is one sample of how the media you expose yourself to can maintain your passion for a topic.
Ways to Use Social Media for Entertainment
Enjoying your time is not only about watching reels or movies. Instead, it is an action that brings you enjoyment. That is why, especially after the pandemic, we witness most individuals confiding in online platforms to keep themselves busy.
1. Connecting with loved ones
An extensive survey published in 2022 portrays the main reasons individuals use social media. Unsurprisingly, 47% of individuals state that their primary motive is connecting with friends and family members. This is no shock, as this is the reason such platforms came into existence.
2. Finding content
Of course, the internet is riddled with examples of how to waste time absorbing information-heavy content. However, we underestimate the power of knowledge. Now, you can search for any question and find thousands of answers. Doing so is often exhilarating, especially if you are bored. Content also includes movies, music, podcasts, and much more.
3. Endless shopping
Of course, having shopping as a coping mechanism for boredom is never the solution. However, you can now shop smartly with online options. You can find the best brands online, but some retail therapy will lead you down a further hole. There are various vintage, homemade, customized, and unique pieces you can stumble upon through online shopping access.
Ways to Use Social Media for Education
Working on a paper does not have to be a tedious process. Instead, with the ideal access, you can draw inspiration from social media.
1. Debate and interact with others
Reddit, for instance, is one example of how students can converse online. Many people communicate, help each other, share tips, and debate topics. This provides an online community that shares a similar passion, which indirectly fuels yours.
2. Finding educational videos and streams
Thanks to the internet, your professor can upload lecture videos online for you to visit. Yet, you can also find specific topics online through YouTube. Another notable example is the MIT OpenCourseware. The website provides you with access to various resources. Those include projects, videos, and courses in which you can enroll. The greatest thing about the platform is that it is free. It is a virtual, open worldwide platform.
3. Personal development
Education is not only for learning novel concepts. It also encompasses any personal development. Now, through social media, you can connect with people worldwide. That means you can always find someone to address your issue. Moreover, we encourage you to build your reputation online as a student. The easiest method to start is through LinkedIn. Not only can you contact professionals within various industries, but you gain access to unique resources. This way, you can develop both your personal and professional lives.
Final Thoughts
It is impossible to narrow down the question and decide what social media is for. We have seen a rise in individuals enjoying reels and funny memes on the internet. However, it initially started to connect with friends and family. That is why it is not easy to pinpoint the exact trend we might witness in a few years.
However, as mentioned above, social media enables everyone to access the best information. Whether for education or entertainment purposes, everyone finds content they enjoy. The internet is ever-changing. We are witnessing a rise in AI-induced platforms you can converse with. Others create art from scratch. In a gist, there are infinite possibilities to what you can do online.