Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Groups
Interactions in today's world are getting more and more concentrated to text messages and social media apps. Gone are the days when friends would meet up to discuss plans or simply have a good time. The era of conference calls came and went too. Now there are virtual groups on WhatsApp and other similar social media apps for different types of like minded people wanting to share ideas, information, discussions, debates, recipes, vacation plans, or even for catching up with college and school friends.
Advantages:1. Sharing: Virtual groups are great for sharing ideas and inspirations that could encourage each other and help them develop skills which they otherwise wouldn't have the time and resource to learn. For instance, communication skills improve for introverts.
2. Stress relieving: Having like minded people in a group can have a good impact on mental health of a person who might be going through something difficult, especially when they don't feel like going out and meeting people or might have obligations that don't let them do that.
3. Healthy debates: Differently opinionated people discussing an issue in a polite and respectful manner can go a long way in developing mutual respect for each other's opinion even though they might not agree to the same though.
4. Time management: It is difficult in busy schedule to keep track of the lives of people who have been important in your life. Getting together in a virtual group can give one the opportunity to find some time between all the work to share and hear which strengthens old bonds.
Disadvantages:1. Lost connection: People rarely go out and meet old friends these days. Being in touch is mostly kept to virtual groups where most don't know or have any interest in knowing the others. Sometimes we might not even want to be a part of a group.
2. Social anxiety: If you think your conversations skills are 10/10 just because you stay active on virtual groups and participate in discussions, there is a big chance you might be wrong. Not meeting people often and keeping conversations confined to virtual group can lead to social awkwardness.
3. Losing individuality: One can have many friends but there has to be some really close ones with whom one can share the hard moments of life. Groups don't facilitate this. The entire group could be unaware that a member is depressed or in need of emotional support.
4. Chaos: Social media groups can wreck havoc if not administrated by a responsible person. It can be used to propagate and instigate violence. Kasganj tragedy, for instance, was a result of one such group discussion leading to hurting of religious sentiments.
Conclusion:While virtual groups have their advantages, it should be used responsibly to ensure peace and positivity. Also, there should be group meets once in a while to know each other personally.
