[Amir Hamza]

One can learn news through various platforms. The availability of newspapers and other forms of media makes it easier for the general public to access the news. This essay discusses the two different points of views on learning news. It is argued by some that newspapers are the best way to learn news, while a few others consider other forms of media are better. I believe, the latter is better due to the various distinct benefits that are outlined below.

Newspapers have been the conventional source through which news were accessed. Before the advent of the digital media, the newspapers aided the general public to keep themselves updated on the current happenings and the latest current affairs. The wide coverage in the newspapers allowed the public to read news based on their taste. For example, the main page provided a snapshot on the previous day’s most important events, the sports page catered to the sports lovers, the classifieds section helped the buyers and sellers while the employment section helped the people find or change jobs. Reading newspapers also had supportive benefits, such as improving the vocabulary among many others. However, newspapers due to the very nature of the platform have limitations due to the circulation, content and timeliness.

The advent of technology led to the evolution of the digital media that allowed accessing news through TVs and Internet. The use of digital media, in following news, allows us to overcome the limitations that were seen due to the newspapers. News can now be learnt in a fast, accurate and a consistent manner. The availability of smart phones and the penetration of the internet into the deep corners of the planet has benefitted the general public improving easy access to the news. Furthermore the digital media lets the readers to customize the news based suiting the interests.

In conclusion, I would like to state that, while accessing news through the newspapers has indeed been very beneficial to the general public, there were some limitations. However, accessing news through the digital media has empowered us to address these limitations.

Word Count: 344

[Amir Hamza]

Advantages and disadvantages.

Question:
The use of social media is replacing face to face interaction among many people in the society.
Discuss advantages and disadvantages
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Answer:
Social Media has penetrated the lives of many people across the globe. It has provided the opportunity to share and exchange information with each other without any limitations to the national borders or income status. However, excessive use of Social Media has resulted in limited physical interactions among people leading to a lack of social skills among people. As with the case with many others, the excessive of anything has side effects, so is the case with Social Media. However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of using Social Media.

Social Media transcends geographies and income boundaries. Easy accessibility and availability through a mobile smart phone to various applications meant that many people across the globe, without any limitations to their income, are able to take full benefit of Social Media. With a greater number of using Social media, the demand for Social Media services increased. The demand for services further led to two more benefits: First, boosting economy through the creation of top companies. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are among the top companies of the world contributing to the growing GDP and taxes. Second, these large companies created jobs and further provided livelihoods to many subsidiary companies. It also gave an opportunity to budding entrepreneurs to market their products and create a source of income. Lastly, Social Media has empowered the populace to voice their opinion, showcase their skill without any institutional support. Justin Bieber is a strong example of the power of social media. Marketing himself on YouTube, helped him to grow faster and gain international recognition and acceptance.

Despite its many advantages, Social Media has disadvantages as well. Social Media mainly hinges on content sharing. Content sharing contributes negatively when the majority use Social Media to watch videos, share memes or send forward messages. Social Media can also be a disruptor as it has led to people sharing fake news and create news for their own benefits. The use of Social Media on non-productive tasks means limited availability of time catering to productive tasks. Besides the above, one of the outcomes of use of Social Media is limited physical interaction leading to lack of development of social skills among people.

The advantages and opportunities of use of Social Media outweigh the disadvantages and limitations due to it. It is important for the users to be aware of both sides of use of Social Media and to use it optimally.