The world today leverages on various websites and networking technologies to connect, communicate and engage with each other globally. What are these websites called, they're referred to as " SOCIAL MEDIA".

Social media refers to online platforms and technologies that enable users to create, share and exchange information, ideas and contents in virtual communities and globally.

 The social media has become like a medicine which has slowly creeped into the minds, lives and finally the system of the society. 

The term "PSYCHOLOGY OF SOCIAL MEDIA" helps us in understanding the way people behave, think and feel about the presence of the various social media platforms. Has it helped in shapening the minds of the citizens or not?

Different individuals make use of the social media for various purposes based on their needs and what they tend to gain. This explains the theory referred to as " USES AND GRATIFICATION THEORY" which holds that audience members that is , individuals use technological devices (social media) based on the benefits they expect to get from them.

 These benefits can be in form of relaxation , entertainment or education .  These all points out to the fact that different individuals have different reasons for making use of the social media and in doing so , apply strategies unique and acceptable to them in fulfilling those needs and desires. Bearing in mind, that these platforms tend to have the positive and negative side attracted to it , but knowing and understanding the right way to deploy these social media platforms to use will help in producing a productive society. 

 In terms of user behaviour that is, how frequently individuals make use of the various social media platforms, the psychology of social media tends to study how individuals see and make use of the social media for various activities such as posting contents, sharing, liking, commenting and most especially interacting with each other in the global space. We see that the social media platforms have become popular avenue for social interaction and building relationship even with those we don't know and haven't seen. 

These interactions as time goes on, sometimes grow to form a deep bond or connection between both parties. These parties grow  from acquaintances to become friends and more likely family; all depending on the level of interaction and proximity. The social media has succeeded in creating an enabling environment for individuals in the society to interact with each other virtually , almost replacing the role of face to face interaction in the society.

Social media also serves as a means of self projection that is, a platform for creating an online presence. Various social media platforms such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter and many more are often used by individuals most especially young adults to foster their online presence and present themselves and their ideas to the world. The users of these media platforms see it as an avenue to enhance themselves and improve their self-esteem and also contribute their ideas for the betterment of the society and world at large.

Then again, the incessant use of the social media platforms most especially by young adults (adolescent ) tends to have a negative effective on them. Apart from getting so addicted to these platform to the extent they can't do without them, there are tendencies to feel pressured either by competitors or trying to match up with the standards of others or trying to conform oneself to societal norms and expectations. These pressures if not handled properly could lead to identity crisis resulting in confusion. They loose consciousness of whom they really are and what they are capable of doing without the presence of these platforms. It sometimes also affect their psychological well-being if not looked into carefully and solutions sought for.

In essence, the psychology of social media not only explains what people feel or think about the social media or what motivates them to use these platforms but also dives in to the numerous benefits derived from the social media not excluding the negative aspect. But with a deep understanding of these platforms and it's uses , we'll be able to create an enabling environment that will yield positive growth and development to the people and society at large.