Adults are more likely to be found on Pinterest, and Instagram. 15% of adults compared to 1% of teens are on Pinterest. Facebook and Twitter are still the most popular for adults also with 67% on Facebook and 18% on Twitter. Surveys indicate that senior citizens are using social media as well, with 43% using at least one social networking site.
Social media has provided a fun place to converse and meet new people. Posting pictures, articles, and statuses on these sites portray your individual beliefs, views, and interests. Using the freedom of speech we are allowed, people will either agree or disagree. The pros of this freedom is people can say what they want without feeling nervous or shy. Also, it allows everyone to voice their own opinion. Apps provide "like " and "retweet " buttons allowing others to interact with posts. The "like " button and "retweet " button are helpful tools letting you know that people are agreeing with you. Another pro is social media helps provide people a voice to express themselves and builds confidence. Why stand before a million people and be nervous, when you can sit at your office or home at the computer and write about topics and still reach the audience?.
Although, saying what you believe or what your personal views are, is not always a good thing. Some topics are very personal and effect people in very different ways. People have the right to say what they feel, but when certain subjects are broached, like for example, gay marriage or racism, these topics illicit varying responses and can cause others to take offense. Disagreements over topics do occur on social media. This is where cyber bulling can take place. Cyberbullying is a huge problem in social media and should not be overlooked. 71.9% of teens have been cyber bullied at least once during the school year. Cyberbullying is when individuals bully each other through electronic technology. Examples of cyberbullying are threats through text messages, embarrassing videos or pictures, or rumors.
