This paper focuses on the positive effects of Social Media as a platform for support.
Since the invention of the first platform in 1997, Social Media gained a significant importance for the social interactions of the 2.789 billion active Social Media users worldwide. These platforms, that are designed to provide access to social networks for a large number of users, get mostly examined by literature because of its negative effects like cyberbullying, shitstorms and addiction.
However, it is also important to take a closer look at its potential to contribute to peoples' social interactions and their well-being in order to ensure a balanced discussion.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Social Media as a Platform for Support for Courage
- Willingness to Speak Out
- Civic Engagement and Collective Action
- Social Media as a Platform for Support for Social Capital and Well-being
- Social Support for Social Capital
- Social Support and Well-being
- Social Media as a Platform for Support for People with Mental Health Disorders
- Social Media as a Tool for People with ASD
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to present a more balanced view on the effects of Social Media by focusing on its positive aspects. The paper examines the potential of Social Media to empower individuals and facilitate social interaction, ultimately contributing to a positive impact on social capital and well-being.
- The impact of Social Media on users' willingness to speak out and engage in civic action.
- The role of Social Media in fostering social support, strengthening social capital, and promoting individual well-being.
- The benefits of Social Media for people with mental health disorders, specifically focusing on users with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- The potential of Social Media to facilitate collective action and civic engagement.
- The democratizing function of Social Media, empowering individuals and challenging traditional institutions.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
This chapter examines the influence of perceived social support on individuals' willingness to express their opinions online. It discusses the "Spiral of Empowerment" theory, which posits that individuals feel empowered to speak up when surrounded by like-minded users. This sense of empowerment stems from the perceived social support, which increases individuals' perceived power over their environment and their ability to influence others.
This chapter explores the role of Social Media in facilitating civic engagement and collective action. It argues that Social Media can have a democratizing function, connecting and empowering individuals outside of traditional institutions. Examples like the American TeaParty and the mobilization of advocacy groups against the Multilateral Agreement on Investment illustrate the power of Social Media in bringing people together and promoting collective action.
This chapter focuses on the positive effects of Social Media on users' social capital and overall well-being. It explores how Social Media provides a platform for social support, enabling users to connect with others, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships. The chapter also delves into the concept of "weak ties" and how Social Media can help maintain and strengthen these connections, which are crucial for social capital.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this paper are: Social Media, social support, social capital, civic engagement, collective action, democratization, mental health disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), well-being.
- Quote paper
- Julia Kaiser (Author), 2017, The Positive Effects of Social Media as a Platform for Support, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1030639
