Understanding the Influence of Social Media on
Communication and the Importance ofIn-Person Interactions
同志社女子高等学校

１年

西川笑

理

Here’s a sudden question, how many people here have access to social media?
Those who have raised their hand, have you ever experienced being engrossedin social media and lost track of the present moment? The modern landscapewitnesses a visible growth in the proactive engagement of social platforms. Asof October 2023, the global tally of social media users reached 4.95 billion, asreported by Statista, thereby emphasizing the use and significance of these
digital platforms. To understand the complex interdependence between social
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media and the communication process, we must look into the pros and consand its effects among young adults.

Presently, social media plays an extensive part in our lives. It assists you toconnect to the world, provides rapid access to knowledge and research, andkeeps you updated with the latest trends. However, some people can get overly
addicted with maintaining their social image, ignore the significance ofcommunication, or lose sight of the present. In what way has social mediaaffected our direct interactions? Nowadays some people might think, What’s
the use of dressing up to go hangout with your friends when you cancommunicate with each other online? But it is crucial to re-recognize therelevance of face-to-face communication because it encourages interpersonal
relationships that strengthen connections and build trust between individuals.
Communicating with someone directly allows you to read their body language,reaction and mood. Non-verbal clues tell you numerous things about a person,
therefore making it easier to read the atmosphere and adjust your language ortone you’re speaking in. In what way does it have an effect on security? Are
you familiar with the word “Nettomo”? This term has been brought up
multiple times lately to refer to a friend who you only have a close
relationship with online and not in the real world. Interacting with a wide34

range of individuals worldwide has countless benefits, but there are unspoken
risks in indirect interactions. Because it is challenging to confirm another’s
identity while communicating indirectly, there is a higher chance to beinvolved in an incident. The gap between direct and indirect communication
has physiological and security implications. How can we keep ourselves frombeing addicted to social media and the digital world? The simple solution tothis is to quit social media but I know that’s impossible, even for me. You
can start by setting a time limit restricting your social media usage, and makethe best out of the time you spend with family, and friends. I believe thatthese initial steps will lead to an improved, well-balanced life.

While social media is swift, available 24/7, and is mandatory in our lives, inperson interactions should still take priority over social media usage. As I

access to the outside world, it can additionally cause us to overlook themoment. For there are many advantages in in-person interactions, whenever
you recall my speech. I hope you will consider giving your phone a rest,
connect and communicate with others face to face, and cherish the present.

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have indicated previously, while social media is essential and can provide you