The Influence of Social Media

Speaker: Joseph

Why do some posts on social media attract more attention than others?

Some posts attract more attention because they trigger a strong emotional response, such as surprise, humor, or even anger. People are far more likely to stop scrolling if something feels relatable or shocking. Visual elements also play a big role, especially short videos or eye-catching images. Timing matters too—posts shared during peak hours tend to reach more people. In addition, algorithms often amplify content that already has high engagement. So in many cases, popularity feeds on itself.

How has social media changed the way people share interesting ideas or experiences?

Social media has made sharing ideas much faster and more informal than in the past. People no longer need to write long posts; a short video or photo can communicate an experience instantly. This has lowered the barrier to participation, so more people feel confident sharing their thoughts. At the same time, ideas are often simplified to fit trends or short attention spans. While this makes content more accessible, it can also reduce depth. Overall, sharing has become more frequent but sometimes less reflective.

Do you think people are influenced by what they see on social media? In what ways?

Yes, I think social media has a strong influence on people, often without them realizing it. It shapes opinions through repeated exposure to certain ideas or lifestyles. For example, influencers can affect how people dress, eat, or even think about success. Social media can also normalize behaviors by making them seem more common than they really are. Over time, this can change people’s values or expectations. The influence is subtle but very powerful.

What kinds of content do people in your country find most interesting on social media?

In my country, entertainment-related content is especially popular. Short comedy videos, memes, and celebrity updates tend to get a lot of attention. People also enjoy practical content, such as life hacks or short educational clips. Recently, motivational and self-improvement posts have become more common as well. News content is shared widely, although not always critically. Overall, people prefer content that is easy to consume and emotionally engaging.

Is social media a reliable source of information? Why or why not?

Social media can be useful for getting information quickly, but it is not always reliable. Anyone can post content, regardless of their expertise or intentions. As a result, misinformation can spread very easily, especially if it sounds convincing. That said, reliable information does exist, particularly from verified accounts or reputable organizations. The problem is that users often don’t check sources carefully. So social media should be a starting point, not a final source.

How does social media affect young people differently from older generations?

Young people tend to be more deeply affected because they spend more time on social media. It often plays a role in shaping their identity and self-esteem. Older generations usually see social media as a tool rather than a central part of their lives. Young users are also more exposed to trends and peer pressure online. On the other hand, they are generally more digitally literate. This means they may adapt faster but are also more vulnerable emotionally.

Do you think social media encourages creativity, or does it limit original thinking?

I think it does both, depending on how it’s used. Social media gives people easy access to tools and audiences, which can encourage creativity. Many artists and creators wouldn’t have a platform without it. However, trends can also push people to copy what’s already popular. This can lead to repetitive content and less originality. So while creativity is encouraged, it’s often shaped by algorithms and audience expectations.

Should people be more careful about what they post or share online? Why?

Yes, people definitely need to be more careful about what they share online. Once something is posted, it can be very difficult to remove completely. Posts can be misunderstood or taken out of context. There are also risks related to privacy and personal safety. In some cases, careless posts can affect someone’s career or relationships. Being cautious helps people protect both themselves and others.

How might social media change in the future?

In the future, social media will likely become even more immersive. We may see more integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality.Platforms might also become more personalized, showing highly customized content. At the same time, there could be stricter rules to control harmful or misleading information. Users may become more aware of how social media affects their mental health. As a result, people might use it more consciously.