Social media sites are endlessly diverse, ranging from Wikipedia, the crowdsourced online encyclopedia, to Dig, the social bookmarking site that allows users users to like or tag websites and sort other users' tags. The common denominator among these is the ability of users to interact with the application. The uses of social media are very varied, from finding a funny video clip to researching a product to reuniting with a long-lost friend, and the use of each of these social media applications brings with it unique implications. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay This article will examine the advantages and disadvantages of using social media in our society. Specifically, it will examine the effects on the business, private and political sectors at both the national and global levels. The use of social media has become a relevant issue in almost every imaginable field of business today. From multinational corporations to individuals working from home, both employers and employees can use social media to their advantage or disadvantage. The benefits are clearly evident in areas such as marketing, productivity and communication, both internally and between the company and consumers. On the contrary, the disadvantages include: loss of productivity, negative impact on corporate image and the ever-present danger of widespread misinformation. Social media has revolutionized marketing. Businesses can advertise for free, target specific niche markets, and remain in a constant state of open communication with consumers. By creating a profile on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or even posting a video on YouTube, private companies, non-profit organizations, and even small businesses and individuals are able to spread their products, ideas, and services to the world. This has proven to be a successful marketing model, for large multinationals, like Walmart, as well as work-from-home businesses and everyone in between. Advanced communication platforms are an added benefit of using social media. These sites allow communication beyond traditional linear channels; companies can receive feedback from consumers and respond quickly and en masse. The final area where businesses have benefited from social media is productivity. Social media platforms have been proven to improve worker productivity through better employee engagement. A wide variety of organizations and businesses benefit from the ease of information sharing and collaboration that social media platforms offer. Two great examples of these benefits are reducing the time needed to resolve issues and increasing transparency within an organization. Social media platforms have also become a means for employee “voices” to transcend traditional hierarchical boundaries within an organization. This greater influence translates into greater effectiveness. Engaged employees are more motivated because they feel that both they and their opinions matter. As college students, we must realize that our future can be made or destroyed by something we consider trivial. For anyone who cares about their professional reputation, responsible use of all social media is imperative. In the opinion of those who don't know you in any other context, who you are on your Facebook or Twitter page is a fair representation of yourself. Please note: this is just an example. Get it now.