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.
Table of Contents
1. The Positive Effects of Social Media as a Platform for Support
1.1 Social Media as a Platform for Support for Courage
1.1.1 Willingness to Speak Out
2. Civic Engagement and Collective Action
3. Social Media as a Platform for Support for Social Capital and Emotional Well-being
3.1 General Positive Effects
4. Support for Users with Mental Health Disorders
4.1 Support for users with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
5. Limitations/ Discussion
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this paper is to provide a balanced perspective on social media usage by shifting the focus from common negative associations to its potential as a supportive tool. The paper examines how these digital platforms can foster personal courage, civic engagement, and social capital, while also addressing their specific utility for individuals with mental health conditions, such as those on the autism spectrum.
- The impact of perceived social support on the willingness to speak out and express opinions online.
- The democratizing function of social media in facilitating civic engagement and collective action.
- The relationship between relational social media usage and the enhancement of social capital and psychological well-being.
- The role of online communities in providing support, identity construction, and experiential learning for people with mental health disorders.
- The benefits and challenges of social media for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Excerpt from the Book
Willingness to Speak Out
The willingness to speak out online is highly dependent on the perceived social support which enhances the sense of power that is necessary to build up the courage to express one´s opinion. This social support gets conveyed through the perceived opinion congruency, which describes having the same opinion as the majority of users (Chun& Lee, 2017).
The theory about the “Spiral of Empowerment” (Chun& Lee, 2017, p. 121) states that individuals feel empowered to speak up in the company of a group of like-minded users. This is based on the perceived social support, which Chun and Lee (2017) defined as “the perception of available resources/ supportive social ties acquired via social interaction” (p.121). This support significantly increases the perceived power over the environment and the ability to influence others and, therefore, triggers individuals to act. Social Media facilitates the search for groups of similar opinions leading to a sense of empowerment to express one´s opinion, which would not have been expressed otherwise due to a lack of confidence and opportunity (Chun& Lee, 2017). Furthermore, Social Media makes it easier to participate in discussions with liking, sharing and commenting as well as providing the user with a direct system to share and exchange reactions (Chun& Lee, 2017).
Summary of Chapters
The Positive Effects of Social Media as a Platform for Support: This chapter introduces the topic by acknowledging the dominance of negative literature regarding social media and proposing a more balanced view that highlights its potential for positive social interaction.
Social Media as a Platform for Support for Courage: This section explores how perceived social support and opinion congruency on digital platforms can empower users to express their opinions.
Civic Engagement and Collective Action: This chapter analyzes how social media functions as a democratizing tool that helps mobilize individuals and improves the effectiveness of advocacy groups.
Social Media as a Platform for Support for Social Capital and Emotional Well-being: This section details how relational social media usage contributes to building social capital and improving the overall psychological well-being of users.
Support for Users with Mental Health Disorders: This chapter examines the specific benefits of online platforms for patients with mental health conditions, focusing on identity construction and collective support.
Support for users with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): This section provides a case study on how structured online interactions offer a supportive environment for individuals with ASD who may struggle with offline social cues.
Limitations/ Discussion: The author acknowledges the scope of the study, notes that negative effects still exist, and clarifies that the benefits are conditional based on the individual user.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that social media is a powerful tool for connection and support when utilized correctly.
Keywords
Social Media, social support, social capital, civic engagement, collective action, mental health, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, online communities, empowerment, spiral of empowerment, identity construction, psychological well-being, digital platforms, relational use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper aims to provide a more balanced discussion on social media by specifically exploring its potential positive effects on social support, identity, and civic engagement, rather than focusing solely on its negative aspects.
What are the core thematic fields covered in this study?
The core themes include the psychology of online expression, the democratizing impact of digital platforms on civic life, the development of social capital, and the specific utility of social media for individuals with mental health disorders.
What is the central research goal?
The research goal is to demonstrate that social media can serve as a supportive environment that facilitates positive social interaction, especially for groups who may find offline communication challenging.
What scientific approach does the author use?
The paper employs a comprehensive literature review, synthesizing findings from various academic sources to examine the mechanisms behind social media's positive influences on user behavior and well-being.
What is discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body investigates the 'Spiral of Empowerment', the role of social media in civic mobilization, the connection between online usage and social capital, and the specific benefits for those with mental health disorders and autism spectrum disorder.
How would you characterize this work using keywords?
The work is best characterized by keywords such as Social Media, social support, social capital, civic engagement, mental health, and identity construction.
How does the 'Spiral of Empowerment' differ from the 'Spiral of Silence'?
The 'Spiral of Empowerment' suggests that finding like-minded groups online encourages individuals to speak out, whereas the 'Spiral of Silence' describes the tendency of individuals to remain silent if they perceive their opinion to be in the minority out of fear of social isolation.
Why is social media particularly beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Social media provides a more structured environment for communication that relies less on non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, which allows individuals with ASD to engage in social interaction more comfortably.
Does the author argue that social media is inherently positive?
No, the author explicitly states that the paper does not intend to glorify social media or ignore its negative effects; rather, it highlights the potential benefits to counter the existing negative bias in public and academic discourse.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Julia Kaiser (Autor:in), 2017, The Positive Effects of Social Media as a Platform for Support, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1030639
