“From Local to Global: Powers in Social Media”

同志社国際高等学校２年

徳永遥

暉

In today’s globalized world, what stands as the powerhouse of media capable ofconnecting people across vast distances?

Over the past few decades, our ability to engage

with individuals worldwide has transcended geographical constraints, thanks to a pivotal
technological innovation.

This groundbreaking advancement is none other than social

media, a realm where boundaries are virtually nonexistent.

While it empowers individuals

and fosters global interactions, it also presents societal challenges capable of bothThis essay explores the multifaceted impact of

英語

enriching and straining one’s identity.

social media, from its potential for empowerment to the complexities it introduces into our

In today’s digital age, it’s challenging to fully comprehend the transformative powerof platforms like social media. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that these platforms
grant individuals access to invaluable global networks that were once unimaginable.

A

prime illustration of this phenomenon is the emergence of countless online communities
centered around shared interests.
peopletoforgeconnections

that

These virtual communities have enabled millions ofresemble

lifelines,relationships but also a profound sense of belonging.

offering

not

only

meaningfulTake, for instance, the ‘Wellness

Community,’ where individuals from diverse backgrounds converge to share health advice
and engage in self-improvement discussions.

One notable figure in this community is therenowned fitness coach Joseph Wicks, widely known as ‘Joe Wicks.’ With millions offollowers, Joe Wicks promotes body positivity and encourages people to prioritize physicalactivity for the sake of their mental well-being.

Through social media platforms,individuals like Joe Wicks have harnessed the global reach of these networks to inspire
and uplift countless lives.

Social media’s potential to empower individuals extends well beyond the previously
mentioned instances.

A compelling case in point is the ‘Fashion Community,’ a vibrantcatalyst motivating numerous individuals to exchange unique trends and styles.

Throughwidely-used platforms like TikTok and Instagram, a plethora of fashion trends haveemerged, with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures infusing their distinctive flair
into their fashion choices, generating a cross-global fashion sensation.

Notably, eco-friendly fashion trends have also gained significant traction worldwide.

Actress Emma

Watson, for instance, has actively contributed to this movement by sharing photos of高校生－daily lives.

herself wearing clothing from eco-conscious brands and encouraging her followers to do
the same.

These illustrations vividly demonstrate how social media serves as a powerful

conduit for the global exchange of positive information, not only fostering creativity andself-expression but also promoting sustainability and consciousness exchange on a globalscale.

While social media undoubtedly offers valuable advantages in terms of global
connectivity, it is paramount to acknowledge and address the substantial risks that
accompany the inundation of information it facilitates.

One of the most pervasive perils

is the rampant spread of false news and inaccurate information.

A striking illustration of

how social media served as fertile ground for misinformation unfolded during theturbulent period of the 2016 United States presidential elections.

In this crucial politicallandscape, platforms like Twitter and Facebook have morphed into breeding grounds forexternal interference.

英語
高校生－Alleged Russian hackers with ties to the Kremlin infiltrated theaccounts of prominent politicians, publicly exposing sensitive data alongside manipulative
narratives.

The gravity of the issue was compounded by mainstream media outlets

amplifying the leaked content without proper verification, further disseminating it to abroader audience.

Consequently, the 2016 Presidential elections significantly reshaped

public perceptions of both political establishments and the very social media platformsthat played an inadvertent role in this unsettling dynamic.

As we delve further into the impact of accessible information dissemination
facilitatedbycyberbullying.

socialmedia,

itbecomes

imperativetoaddressapressing

issue:

This dark underbelly of the digital age accentuates the challenges posedby the widespread accessibility of social media.

While pre-existing problems likediscrimination and bias were already causes for concern, the global reach of social media
magnifies these issues exponentially.

Particularly impactful are instances of online

harassment campaigns that target specific communities on a global scale.

These

campaigns not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also inflict severe emotional andpsychological distress on the individuals associated with these targeted groups.

What

compounds this issue is the anonymity afforded by social media platforms, also known as“trolls” or wrongdoers, allowing perpetrators to remain concealed behind a digital screenand evade accountability for their actions.
that

while

socialmedia

undeniably

In light of these examples, it becomes evident

hasa

profoundly

positiveimpacton

manycommunities, its effects on the global population are far from universally beneficial.

It is crucial to recognize the transformative effects that social media can impose on
an individual’s sense of identity, occasionally leading to identity crises in certain
situations.

As mentioned earlier, millions of people worldwide consume content fromsocial media influencers. What is often underestimated is the profound influence that this‘positive’ media can exert on an individual’s self-perception and view of the world.

Aclear example of this phenomenon occurs when followers of beauty influencers become
immersed in a constant stream of global beauty standards and opulent lifestyles.
time,

relentless

exposure

to an

influencer’s

content

compelling individuals to conform to these standards.

canexert

significant

Overpressure,

This pressure can escalate to thepoint where individuals develop a strong aversion to their self-image.

In extreme cases,

individuals may resort to using various applications and software to digitally edit andalter their appearance, eroding their once-unique identity.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that not all outcomes of social media
engagement are detrimental to one’s identity.

Social media can also serve as a powerfultool for fostering positive identities on a global scale, even amidst the negative effects it
can have on the global community.

When used judiciously, these platforms offer

opportunities for people to connect, discover diversity, and enhance themselves.

For

instance, individuals can reconnect with their cultural heritage and strengthen their sense
Such experiences not

英語of identity through the exploration of their roots on social media.

only transform an individual’s identity but also contribute to greater cultural awareness
Therefore, while on the one

hand, social media can perpetuate unhealthy mindsets and unrealistic imagery that erode
authenticity, on the other hand, it has the potential to empower communities to seek out
and embrace their true selves.
In essence, the impact of social media on our globalized world is immeasurable.

It

offers boundless opportunities for empowerment and community building, while also
introducing potential pitfalls and risks that can mislead and confuse society.

We haveseen how social media can facilitate the exchange of ideas and the development of diverse
identities, sometimes shaping individuals in both damaging and constructive ways.

As

our world continues to globalize, it becomes our collective responsibility to harness thepower of social media as a force for further empowerment, to preserve the authenticity ofindividual identities, and to foster the flow of more positive content across the globe.

In

doing so, we can work towards a future where social media serves as a powerful tool for
positive global connectivity and mutual growth.

－高校生

and potentially improved education within communities.

Works Cited

2nd Paragraphhttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/elrashidy-media-group/the-power-of-socialmedia-connecting-and-engaging-in-the-digital-age-50585/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/06/joe-wicks-lockdown-fitness-youtube-pe-facesof-2020

3rd Paragraphhttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/evolution-importance-digital-promotion-sustainable-fashionasfura#: ～ :text=Moreover%2C%20social%20media%20marketing%20allows,fashion%20and%20
eco-friendly%20practices.

4th Paragraph英語
高校生－

https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/how-twitter-affected-2016-presidential-election
https://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/jep.31.2.211

5th Paragraphhttps://time.com/4457110/internet-trolls/

6th Paragraphhttps://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying
https://socialmediavictims.org/cyberbullying/effects/

7th Paragraphhttps://www.collegenp.com/article/social-medias-role-in-connecting-and-promoting-culture/