The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Facebook

6D Alice Lam

Since the initiation of Facebook in 2003, it has been gaining popularity among the young crowd worldwide. There were over 500 million people who logged in their Facebook account in 2010. Yet, in spite of such an overwhelming number, there are still people who think Facebook causes negative impact on youngsters’ academic performance as well as social life. 

A clear advantage of using Facebook is that it gives people an opportunity to polish their networking skills by connecting friends all around the globe. All users need to do is to log in with their email ID and create a profile page wherein they need to add a few details about their personal life. They can share their lives by uploading photos and updating status with whoever they want. In addition, the system allows users to search for old and new friends. As people may find it very awkward when chatting with strangers or someone they are not very familiar with, Facebook is a convenient tool to make this awkward situation feel normal. Therefore, Facebook increases the communication and connection between friends and the online community.

Another argument in favour of using Facebook is that it has become a great platform for raising social issues for discussion and also a profitable advertising tool with a broader reach than any other media. Groups can be formed pertaining to any topic of social importance, and public opinions can be molded by means of discussions. Many users use Facebook to sustain their political stands. Moreover, there was a man, Carlos Sanchez, who found a suitable kidney to save his life via Facebook. It is now not difficult to see people, awaiting a transplant, use Facebook to send out a call for action. In brief, Facebook helps teenagers engaged in the discussions of social issues and take actions to care about others.

It is clear that there are a number of advantages of using Facebook. On the other hand, there are also a number of disadvantages.

First of all, dependence on Facebook can adversely affect the social communication skills of the youths. Since youngsters can easily connect to strangers, they may only know each other through the Internet but not in person. However, friendship is more than just knowing a person on the Internet. Youngsters may confuse real friends with acquaintances, the names appearing on the Facebook friend list. Not only will they think they are very popular among peers, they will also become haughtier as they may think that they have many friends’ support. In short, Facebook is spoiling the value of relationship as it is built and maintained through a website and lacks emotional and physical involvement of an unadulterated relationship.

Another problem with Facebook is that it can easily become an addiction. Students may overlook their educational obligations, which explain why most education institutes have banned the use of Facebook in their premises. 

To summarize, the above points show that there are strong arguments both for and against using Facebook. The point I wish to make is that the advantages of using Facebook seem to outweigh the disadvantages as most of the Facebook users have good self-discipline. Therefore, I firmly believe that teenagers should continue to use Facebook.