Reports from the 2018 global digital suite, an organization that does research on social issues, more than 4 billion people all over the world are actively using the internet. The figure is projected to rise over the coming years. This means that more than half of the world population is online, and a majority of them are using social media. The report indicates that the number of people who use top social networking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Whatsapp increased by about 1 million new users in the past one year, and more than 3 billion people in the world accessed social media. Some of the reasons why people use social media include:

To Market Business

The numbers of people who are able to access social media has been growing each year. To people in business, this means that more markets are being opened up. Social media can help companies and businesses increase traffic to their websites, and this increase in traffic often translates to a boost in sales. It is also a cheap way to advertise and bring attention to newly launched products or changes that the company has made.

To Make Connections

As the name indicates, social networking websites are a place to get social and interactive. Many stories of love and marriage started brewing on these platforms. There are also long lost friendships that were rekindled on such social networking websites, where people reach out to friends who had disappeared from the face of the earth, only to resurface years later on social media.

It Is Cheap and Convenient

Undoubtedly, gone are the days when one had to load the phone with airtime to communicate. The costs would get even higher if the call was international. Social media has bridged that, and people can now make international calls cheaply. The only thing they need is stable internet. Most of the popular social networks have a calling option. They also have a private messenger function where people can communicate at no extra cost.

To Relieve Stress

Life can be very stressful, and most people admit that there are days when they feel like they do not have the energy to get out of bed. Social networking websites can bring some little sunshine on gloomy days. The memes, live engagements, hilarious photos and general engagements that happen on these platforms can be a source of joy, even if temporarily. Sometimes, even getting a message from someone you care about is enough to cause cheer.

To Get News Updates

There was a time when people had to wait for news bulletins at the top of the hour. Social networking websites allow people to get news updates from all over the world as they happen. Even major news outlets have their own social networking accounts where they share periodic updates about what is going on around the world. This means that the average social media user is more informed than before.

To Champion for Causes

Social networking websites have become a platform to agitate for change. The great revolution in Egypt, where they had political activism for days on social media is a great example of how these platforms can be used to champion causes. There have also been fundraising drives, calls for justice, and other types of conversations that were started by discussions on social networking websites.

It Offers a Platform to Voice Opinions and Do Citizen Journalism

People no longer have to reach out to mainstream media if they want their voices to be heard. Social media networking websites give people a chance to discuss topics that were once considered taboo. Issues such as gender equality, religion, exclusivity and sexuality dominate some of the deep conversations that happen on these social networks. Even though there are a few people who have abused these open spaces, there are more gains than losses when it comes to what social networking websites can achieve.