SOCIAL MEDIA EMPACT ON RURAL PEOPLE

ABSTRACT:

The impact of social media in rural areas has been a topic of debate for quite some
time. While it has opened up new avenues for communication and information sharing, it has also raised
concerns about its potential negative effects on the culture and lifestyle of rural communities.we’ll
explore the pros and cons of social media in rural areas, and whether it can be considered a good or bad
thing for these communities.

Ultimately, it comes down to a balance between embracing the benefits of technology and preserving
the unique characteristics of rural life.When we first moved to our rural town one of the first things I
noticed was the lack of information on the restaurant hours on their social media pages.

INTRODUCTION:

Social media has become an integral part of most of our lives. It connects us to the
world and allows us to stay in touch with our friends and family. However, not everyone has the same
level of accessibility to social media, especially those living in rural areas.In this section, we will explore
the main challenges that rural areas face when it comes to accessing social media: lack of internet
connectivity.

1.LACK OF INTERNET CONNECTIVITY;

One of the biggest barriers to accessing social media in

rural areas is the lack of internet connectivity. According to a report by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC), as of 2020, about 14.5 million Americans living in rural areas lack access to high-
speed internet.This means that many rural residents are unable to access social media platforms that
require a stable internet connection.We have had internet in our rural town and when we first moved in,
so many people were online during the pandemic that it was slow. Today we have FIOS as it came to our
town in the last several months, making the internet much faster today.So what can you do?

2. POSITIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN RURAL AREAS;

Social media has become an essential tool

for individuals and businesses, providing an easy way to stay connected with others, regardless of
geographic location.

(a)COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT;

Social media has also played an important role in community

development in rural areas. With the ability to connect with others online, individuals in rural areas can
now stay connected with their community, even if they are physically distant.Social media has made it
easier for individuals to organize events and gatherings, which helps to promote community
development.Additionally, social media has made it easier for individuals to stay informed about
community news and events, which helps to keep community members engaged and involved.

(b)NETWORKING;

Finally, social media has provided individuals in rural areas with new networking
opportunities. With the ability to connect with others online, individuals can now network with others in
their field or industry, regardless of geographic location.This can lead to new job opportunities,
partnerships, and collaborations, which can help to improve the overall economic situation in rural
areas.In conclusion, while there may be concerns about the impact of social media in rural areas, it has
brought upon numerous benefits, including business and economic opportunities, community
development, and networking.As social media continues to evolve, it is likely that it will continue to play
an important role in rural areas.

The two most popular social media networks for rural residents are Facebook and
YouTube.

Facebook:

73% of U.S. adults from urban areas use Facebook

69% of U.S. adults from suburban areas use Facebook

66% of U.S. adults from rural areas use Facebook

Youtube:

77% of U.S. adults from urban areas use YouTube

74% of U.S. adults from suburban areas use YouTube

64% of U.S. adults from rural areas use YouTube

3.NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN RURAL AREAS;

Social media has been a game-changer in the world of

communication and has connected people who live miles apart. However, as much as social media has
its advantages, it also has its negative impacts on rural areas.

(a)CYBERBULLING;

Cyberbullying is one of the negative impacts of social media on rural areas. With
the increased use of social media, cyberbullying has become rampant, and rural areas have not been
spared.Cyberbullying can be detrimental to the mental health of the victims, leading to anxiety and
depression.It is essential to educate the younger generation on the dangers of cyberbullying and the
importance of treating others with respect and kindness online.

(b)MENTAL HEALTH;

Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s hard to imagine a day
without scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other alternative social media
platforms.While social media has its positives, it can also have negative impacts on our mental health,
especially in rural areas where access to resources may be limited.the two major effects of social media
on mental health in rural areas:

Addiction And Social Isolation

CONCLUSION OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN RURAL AREAS:

Certainly! In rural areas, social

media serves as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fosters connections and provides access to
information. On the other, it can lead to isolation and cyberbullying. To maximize its benefits,
moderation is key. Additionally, improving internet access is crucial for equal participation in the digital
world.

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