The increased use of digital media has greatly influenced our everyday lives. As human beings, I consider the internet our greatest invention and accomplishment since this is our number one way of communicating and connecting with not only our community but everyone around the globe. It has enabled new levels of social interaction and community building across boundaries of time. However, digital media, like two sides of a coin, brings with it both a positive and a negative side.

Digital media by definition is a platform where a community can express their ideas and opinions through a quick, effective, and easy way of distributing content that is broadcast over digital mediums, such as TV, radio, or the most popular one, the internet. In contrast to conventional media, digital media can be created, edited, and distributed via digital devices.

Our day-to-day activities have become almost dependent on these outlets, whether for work, learning, or entertainment. In a community, digital media has become an important tool to navigate this world; thanks to the use of digital media, we are capable of not only learning and getting new information every day but also communicating and connecting with family or friends. It’s crazy to think that with only one quick search we are provided with new information.

Now that various devices support its use and it is in everyone’s reach, digital media’s impact is worth notice. It has not only added a new element to our daily lives but also enabled unprecedented levels of social interaction and community building, breaking the barriers of location and time. The spread of digital media has made possible new methods of learning, real-time distribution of information, and a decrease in print media. It has provided better opportunities by its facilitation of giving people a voice, creation of communities, and participation.

However, it would not be prudent to go on about the positive aspects of digital media without touching on its downsides. Despite believing that digital media has improved their lives, when individuals use digital media excessively, it can negatively influence their cognitive and behavioral development as well as their physical and mental health.

The negative effects of social media networks on society are quite enormous. As users are exposed to the most unhealthy content of social media, internet users seem to underestimate the effect of media, claiming they have all of the control and can get over it whenever they want to, thus developing an attachment. This excessive usage leads to feelings such as anger, tension, and even depression, making individuals dependent on the internet, making it even harder to detach from it.

Digital media is the tool we as a community use the most. It’s a great tool to navigate around the internet, but its huge influence and information overload can influence individuals in either positive or negative ways. It is very important to note that even though it has many great perks, its downsides are pretty noticeable too. Using digital media influences not only our knowledge capability but our belief systems. In times when there’s a lot of misinformation about everything going around our globe, harassment, propaganda and cyber bullying spreads.It can be very easy to get influenced and believe poor material. As individuals we must be responsible and keep our feet on the ground with what we choose to be exposed to. Enjoy the great sides of digital media while being mindful.