THE INSTITUTE OF FINANCE MANAGEMENT

FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND FINANCE
BACHELOR OF ECONOMICS AD FINANCE
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER APPLICATION
CODE: ITU 07205
YEAR ONE
STREAM D
GROUP 01
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
NAME: OMARI S MAUGA
REG NO: IMC/BEF/2224786

QUESTIONS
1. How has social media transformed the way we communicate and connect with others?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this shift?
2. How has social media empowered individuals and communities to raise awareness about
social issues and drive social change?
Can you provide examples of successful social media campaigns or movements?
3. What privacy concerns arise from using social media?
How can users protect their personal information and privacy while still enjoying the
benefits of social networking?

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QUESTION 01:
How has social media transformed the way we communicate and connect with others?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this shift?

ANSWER
Social media are the software which gives access to communicate and sharing
ideas, documents, data and information between two or more parties by using internet. Examples
of social media are; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.Social media has had
a profound impact on the way we communicate and connect with others.
The following are some of the key ways in which social media has transformed our social
interactions:
Increased connectivity; Social media has made very easier for people from
different nations to meet and connect with each other whereby people may make new friends from
different countries through social medias like Facebook or Telegram which gives access to create
groups whereby through groups people connects with each other. Also through social media people
may organize online meeting regardless of the geographical distance between them.
Instant communication; Social media give us access to send and receive
information at the Instant time regardless of the distance and geographical boundaries between
people who communicate. For example, through social media, people may make video calls, voice
calls, send messages and videos and even streaming live videos at the current time.
Greater access to information; Social media has made it easier to access
information on a wide range of topics, from news and current events to entertainment and
education. We can now follow influencers and experts in specific fields, and we can also share our
own knowledge and expertise with others.
New forms of expression; Social media has given us new ways to express
ourselves and share our thoughts and feelings with others. We can post updates, share our opinions,
and create and share content in a variety of formats, from text and photos to videos and live
streams.
Increased social awareness; Social media has also made it easier to stay
informed about social issues and to participate in conversations about important topics. We can
follow news organizations and activists, and we can also join groups and communities focused on
specific causes and issues.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the shift that social media has brought about in
the way we communicate and connect with others.
The following are advantages of the transformation of social media on the way we
communicate.
Improved connectivity; Social media has significantly improved our ability to
connect with others, whether they are friends, family, or new ones. For example through Facebook,
Instagram, WhatsApp or Telegram
Greater access to information; Social media has made it easier than ever to
access information on a wide range of topics, from news and current events to entertainment and
education. Now days anyone can access any information he wants through internet. For example,

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a person can search for lecture of any topic through YouTube whereby different tutors may send
their lecturers there.
New forms of expression; Social media has given us new ways to express
ourselves and share our thoughts and feelings with others which facilitates expression to be very
easy where by people express their feelings and attitudes through social media and share with
others whether it is happy or sad. For example, we can post birthdays through Whatsapp statuses
and getting more birthday wishes and gifts from friends.
Increased social awareness; Social media has made it easier to stay informed
about social issues and to participate in conversations about important topics. Also gives the
current news and information. For example, by subscribing to a YouTube channel of news a person
will be notified instantly if any news is uploaded.
Business and marketing opportunities; Social media provides businesses
with a powerful marketing tool to reach a wider audience and build brand awareness. Also social
media gives access to reach many people within a short period of time. For example, we can post
business advertisement in Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp groups.

The following are disadvantages of the transformation of social media on the way we
communicate:
Privacy concerns; The use of social media can lead to privacy concerns, as
personal information shared online can be accessed by others without consent. Without awareness
about the use of social medias people may face privacy concerns. For example, by clicking links
from unknown sources which have no security (http links) and other fake free gifts and free bundles
links which may sometimes contain malwares like trojan horses, viruses and spywares that are
very dangerous for personal privacy, device software and hardware.
Cyber bullying; Social media platforms have been known to facilitate cyber
bullying, harassment, and other negative behaviors that can lead to emotional distress and
psychological harm. Since through social medias people may hide their personal identifications by
using nicknames or fake names and fake pictures or picture of things rather than using real pictures,
some may use that opportunity negatively by doing cyber bullying or insulting others believing
that it may be difficult to know them.
Addiction; Social media can be addictive, leading to excessive use and a
preoccupation with likes, comments, and shares. Some students may perform poor in schools also
workers may doing their job poorly due to addictions of using social medias.
Misinformation and fake news; Social media give access for users to post
anything they wish according to their will, some people may provide fake news to the social medias
just for the sake of getting many likes, comments or views. Social media has been criticized for its
role in spreading misinformation and fake news, which can have serious consequences for public
health, politics, and more.
Decreased face-to-face interaction; Social media can lead to decreased face-
to-face interaction, which is important for building and maintaining strong relationships. If people
make strong concentration on communication through social media and ignore about face to face
interactions then the strength of their relationship may decline day to day, after some period of
time they may communicate very rarely.
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 All in all, social media are very essential if they are used in positive manner
unless they may provide negative outcomes. We all have to make sure we use social media in a
positive way and educate other people in the proper ways of using social media for their benefits.

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QUESTION 02:
How has social media empowered individuals and communities to raise awareness about
social issues and drive social change?
Can you provide examples of successful social media campaigns or movements?

ANSWER
Social media are the software which gives access to communicate and sharing
ideas, documents, data and information between two or more parties by using internet. Examples
of social medias are; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.
A social media campaign is a coordinated marketing effort that uses social
media platforms to achieve specific business goals. Social media campaigns can be used to raise
brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, increase sales, or promote a specific product
or service.
A social media movement is a collective effort by a group of people who use
social media platforms to promote a specific cause or advocate for social change. Social media
movements typically involve the use of hashtags, viral challenges, online petitions, and other
digital strategies to raise awareness, mobilize supporters, and create a groundswell of public
opinion.
Social media has empowered individuals and communities to raise awareness about social
issues and drive social change in a number of ways as follows:
Amplifying voices; Social media platform have given individuals and groups
a platform to amplify their voices and share their stories with a wider audience. This can be
especially powerful for marginalized communities who may not have had a voice in traditional
media outlets.
Mobilizing support; Social media can quickly mobilize support for a cause or
issue, allowing individuals and groups to organize rallies, marches, and other events that can drive
social change.
Facilitating information sharing; Social media can be a powerful tool for
sharing information and educating the public about social issues. For example, individuals and
organizations can use social media to share research, stories, and other resources that can raise
awareness and drive change.
Facilitating advocacy; Social media can be used to advocate for policy
changes or other action on social issues. For example, individuals and organizations can use social
media to pressure lawmakers or other decision-makers to take action on issues such as climate
change, social justice, and more.
Holding power accountable; Social media can be used to hold individuals and
institutions accountable for their actions. For example, social media can be used to expose
corruption, human rights abuses, and other injustices that may have gone unnoticed without the
power of social media to bring them to light.
Building communities: Social media has allowed people to connect with
others who share similar interests and concerns. This has led to the formation of communities that

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work together to create change and sharing ideas and current information concerning their
interests.
Mobilizing action; Social media has been used to organize protests, rallies,
and other forms of activism. It has allowed people to quickly mobilize others and create a sense of
urgency around social issues.
Overall, social media has provided individuals and communities with a
powerful tool to drive social change and raise awareness about important social issues. However,
it is important to use social media responsibly and to be aware of the potential risks and limitations
of relying solely on social media to drive

The following are examples of successful social media campaigns or movements.

#MeToo; The #MeToo movement began in 2017 as a hashtag on social media
to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault. It quickly gained momentum and led to a
widespread discussion about the issue. The movement has led to changes in workplace policies,
laws, and societal attitudes towards sexual harassment.
Black Lives Matter; The Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013 as a
response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. The movement
gained more attention following the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in 2014. Social
media played a significant role in spreading the message and organizing protests. The movement
has led to increased awareness about police brutality and racial inequality.
Ice Bucket Challenge; The Ice Bucket Challenge was a viral social media
campaign in 2014 that aimed to raise awareness and funds for ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s
disease). The campaign involved people pouring buckets of ice water over their heads and
nominating others to do the same. The campaign raised over $220 million worldwide for ALS
research.
#BringBackOurGirls; The #BringBackOurGirls campaign began in 2014 after
the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Nigeria by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The hashtag was
used on social media to raise awareness about the issue and put pressure on the Nigerian
government to take action. While the girls were not all returned immediately, the campaign did
lead to increased international attention and pressure on the Nigerian government.
March for Our Lives; The March for Our Lives was a student-led protest
movement in response to the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in
Parkland, Florida, in 2018. The movement gained attention and momentum through social media
and led to nationwide protests and a push for gun control legislation.
#LoveWins; This hashtag became popular in 2015 after the US Supreme Court
legalized same-sex marriage. It was used to celebrate the decision and promote love and equality
for all.
#MealsOnWheelsChallenge; This campaign started in 2020 during the
COVID-19 pandemic to raise awareness and funds for Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization
that delivers meals to elderly and disabled people. Participants were challenged to post a photo or
video of themselves delivering a meal and donating to the organization.

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 #StopAsianHate; This movement gained traction in 2021 following a rise in
hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Social media was used to share stories
of discrimination and promote solidarity with the Asian community.
These are just a few examples of successful social media campaigns or
movements that have had a significant impact on social issues. Social media campaigns and
movements can be powerful tools for bringing about social change and raising awareness about
important issues.

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QUESTION 03:
What privacy concerns arise from using social media?
Howcan users protect their personal information and privacy while still enjoying the benefits
of social networking?

ANSWER
Privacy concerns related to social media are related to the ways in which
social media platforms collect, use, and share personal information about their users. Social media
platforms gather a vast amount of data about their users, including their demographic and
geographic information, their interests, their online behavior, and even their location.
There are several privacy concerns that arise from using social media, including:.
Data collection; Social media platforms collect a vast amount of personal data
from their users, including their location, interests, and browsing behavior. This data is often used
to target users with personalized ads, but it can also be sold to third-party advertisers and data
brokers.
Data breaches; Social media platforms are vulnerable to data breaches, which
can expose users’ personal information, such as their email addresses, usernames, and passwords.
Identity theft; Social media users are at risk of identity theft, where someone
steals their personal information to impersonate them online or commit fraud.
Cyberbullying; Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, where
users harass and intimidate others online. This can have serious consequences for the victim’s
mental health and well-being.
Online reputation; Social media can make it easy for others to find and judge
your online activity, potentially affecting your personal and professional reputation.
Government surveillance; In some countries, social media platforms are
monitored by government agencies, which can compromise users’ privacy and freedom of speech.
Data tracking and sharing; Social media platforms may use tracking
technologies to monitor users’ online behavior, which can be used to gather data for targeted
advertising or other purposes. Additionally, social media companies may share user data with
third-party companies, which can raise concerns about how that data is being used.
Lack of control over personal information; Users often have little control over
the information that social media platforms collect and share about them. Even if users choose to
delete their accounts, their data may still be stored on the platform's servers and shared with third
parties.
Misuse of personal information; Social media platforms have been known to
misuse user data in the past, such as in the Cambridge Analytica scandal. In such cases, personal
information was used to influence political campaigns without users’ knowledge or consent.
Overall, privacy concerns related to social media are significant because they can
affect users’ personal lives, online security, and even political processes. It's Important for users
to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their personal information online.

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It is important for social media users to be aware of these privacy concerns and take steps to protect
their personal information online. This can include using strong passwords, adjusting privacy
settings, and being cautious about what information is shared online.

The following are a few tips that users can follow to protect their personal information and
privacy while still enjoying the benefits of social networking:
Use strong and unique passwords; Use a different password for each social
media account and make sure it is strong and difficult to guess. Avoid using common words or
phrases, and consider using a password manager to help you generate and manage your passwords.
Adjust your privacy settings; Most social media platforms allow you to adjust
your privacy settings to control who can see your posts, profile information, and other personal
data. Review your privacy settings regularly and make sure you’re only sharing information with
people you trust.
Be careful what you share; Think twice before sharing personal information such
as your phone number, home address, or other sensitive details. Be cautious about accepting friend
requests from people you don’t know and avoid sharing information that could be used to steal
your identity.
Use two-factor authentication; Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of
security to your social media accounts by requiring a second form of identification, such as a code
sent to your phone or email, in addition to your password.
Keep your software up to date; Make sure you’re using the latest version of
your social media app and that your device’s operating system and security software are up to date.
This can help protect you from known security vulnerabilities.
Limit your usage; Finally, consider limiting your usage of social media if you’re
concerned about privacy. You may want to take regular breaks or consider deleting your account
altogether if you don’t feel comfortable with the level of privacy on the platform.
Hence, we should have to be aware of the privacy concerns related to social media
and the ways in which we can secure oure privacy while using social media.

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REFERENCES
➢ Tufekci, Z. (2017). Twitter and Tear Gas:The Power and Fragility of Networked protest
➢ Wellman,B., & Rainie, L. (2012). Networked: The New Social Operating System.
➢ How Social Media Has Changed How we Communicate. (n.d.). Fowmedia.
https://fowmedia.com/social-media-changed-communicate/amp/
➢ How Has Social Media shaped How We Communicate. (n.d.). Eku Online.
https://ekuonline.eku.edu/blog/communication-studies/how-has-social-media-shaped-
how-we-communicate/

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