Every century has technological changes. In the 1800s, we created steam power and the phone. In the 1900s, we invented the internet and quicker travel methods like cars. As we continue into the 2000s, what is our defining technical advancement? Some may argue Artificial Intelligence (AI), and some may argue the smartphone. But I say…

Social Media is our biggest technological advancement in the 2000s.

But why? I get it, it’s a pretty bold statement. You need more information. So let’s go learn about the level of influence it has on our society. 

Social Media as a Community

With over 5.07 billion users on social media platforms, you are going to be in a lot of communities who you will like or agree with. These communities influence businesses, general topics, opinions on people, and politics. 

Want to see what that influence can do? During the 2008 presidential election, ThoughtGo found that:

“Twitter and Facebook have energized younger voters, which, in turn, had a profound impact on elections. President Barack Obama was the first politician to tap into the power of social media during his two successful campaigns.”

With that level of influence, social media can change the impact of basically anything. 

Social Media as Business

Social media also impacts companies and businesses with their branding or getting a product. In fact, in Social Media Strategy Chapter 1, author Keith Quesenberry found that:

“Today, over 92% of businesses use social media marketing” (pg. 16)

He supports his research by adding that social media spreads information quickly, resulting in more brand recognition for a company. As a result of social media, Quesenberry concluded that over 78% of users say social media has driven them to purchase a brand (pg. 16).

Social Media as Content/Information

As someone who uses social media for content only, the amount I get is a lot. It’s not just me either. With the top 10 social media platforms having 500 million users each, content like videos, posts, and blogs are in abundance. Data Portal provides the 2025 Global Social Media Statistics, which shows:

• The average person visits or has 6.86 different social media platforms each month
• Spends 18 hours and 41 minutes on social media each week
• Roughly 2.57 hours a day of social media content

Social Media as the Future

Social media will still advance, after all, it’s only been 25 years. I wouldn’t be stunned if social media advances so much in just 5 years like if social media corporations could build essentials into phones rather than just apps.

Advancing also means solving the problems with social media like data protection, mental health issues, and shrinking attention spans. If we can address and lessen these, life can be a bit easier. But even despite these problems, I truly believe that social media is the best technological advancement we made in the 21st century.