Impact of Social Media on Communication

Read the following excerpts from two different commentaries about the impact of social media on communication.

Excerpt 1: "Social media has fundamentally altered how we communicate. Instant messaging and status updates have replaced face-to-face interactions, leading to a decline in interpersonal skills. Users craft curated personas, which can distort reality and create unrealistic expectations amongst peers. Consequently, relationships can suffer due to superficial connections rather than genuine emotional engagement."

Excerpt 2: "While critics often highlight the negative effects of social media, it is important to recognize the new opportunities it creates for connectivity. People can engage with communities that share similar interests far beyond geographical constraints. Additionally, social media encourages the sharing of diverse perspectives and ideas, which may lead to greater empathy and understanding among individuals from differing backgrounds. When used mindfully, social media can help individuals foster meaningful relationships and broaden their horizons."