Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Social Networks

This research program discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using social networks as a marketing or advertising tool. It covers different aspects of the execution process of the research and how the learnings can be applied in personal and professional life.

RUNNING HEAD: Business Research
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING SOCIAL NETWORKS

Business Research 1
Table of Contents
Assessment 3: Reflective writing....................................................................................................2
References........................................................................................................................................5

Business Research 2
Assessment 3: Reflective writing
This reflection will discuss the opinion regarding the learning experience gained from
conducting the research program along with the value of the experience. It has also discussed the
manner this learning experience will be useful in the different phases of the life. It has covered
different aspects which took place during the execution process of the research. The plan will be
discussed which will cover the manner, learnings of the research will be applied.
I have carried out this research program on the topic “Advantages and Disadvantages of
Using Social Networks”. This research program has contributed to the knowledge regarding the
different aspects of the research topic (Helyer, 2015). This program has provided a theoretical
base for the different aspects of the research which I can use in the personal and professional life.
During the execution process of this research program, I have learned the manner in which a
research program is carried out. Knowledge gained from this program is of great importance as
this will act as a base for conducting the research activities in future. Social networks are crucial
aspects of the present era as it acts as a medium for connecting with the people (Maki, 2016). In
this research program, I have presented data related to the role of social networks, advantages,
and disadvantages of using social networks. It has been analyzed from the collected data that a
company may gain benefits or face few risks due to the use of social networks as a marketing or
advertising tool (Jefferson & Traughber, 2012).
Execution of this research program has helped in the attainment of the objectives of the
course by improving the knowledge. I have learned that different organizations are using social
networks for the purpose of enhancing the customer base and sales. I have learned that there are
various advantages associated with the use of social networks for the business. These advantages

Business Research 3
include establishing a connection with a large number of audience, building networks between
the different commonalities, cost reduction, reduces the time involved in the marketing of the
products or services offered, easy information sharing and effective advertising. I have learned
that there are few disadvantages attached with the use of social networks for the business (Arca,
2012). These disadvantages include lack of emotional connect, lacks face-to-face interaction,
temporary promotion tool, wastage of time, harms the image of the organization due to the
negative feedbacks, online threats, and privacy issues. Impact of the use of social networks can
be directly seen on the performance and sales of the organization (Drahošováa & Balco, 2017).
This knowledge will help me in gaining the advantage of the opportunities available to
me in the personal and professional life. Social networking is a common aspect which is widely
being used by the organizations. I will use the theoretical knowledge gained for the purpose of
taking decisions for coping with the situations faced in the personal and professional lives. I have
developed skills of conducting a research program so as to gather the required data for the topic.
I have conducted the research in a sequence so as to ensure that every crucial aspect has been
included and research is moving in the right direction. I have gathered relevant data by collecting
data with the help of different sources of data collection. I have faced few limitations which
could have impacted on the research program conducted. I will use the knowledge of these
various aspects in the professional life as well as personal life. As a professional, there is a need
to develop knowledge of social networks as it is one of the most common marketing or
advertising tool used (Collin, et. al., 2011).
I have carried out this research program, by formulating a plan so as to complete the
research program within the allocated time and meeting the objectives set. I have formulated
research objectives so as to form a base on the basis of which data will be collected. I have

Business Research 4
gathered data so as to present the data for developing knowledge of the concept of social
networks, its importance, and advantages and disadvantages of using social networks. This
project has prepared me for the future as with the increasing trend of trade across the borders,
there has been a rise in the use of social networks for communicating with the customers. It has
been analyzed that with the use of social networks satisfaction level of the customers can be
enhanced as well as measured (Kietzmann, et. al., 2011). I have prepared an action plan on the
basis of which I have conducted the different activities of the research.
The motive behind conducting the research on the chosen topic is to gather relevant data
for the purpose developing knowledge of the concept of social networks. While conducting the
research, I have analyzed that organizations operating at different levels are using the social
network for enhancing the chances of growth and success. The decision of whether to use a
social network or not depends on the analysis of the different pros and cons attached with the use
of social networks as an advertisement tool. This business research will help in making better
decisions and grabbing the opportunities available (Helyer, 2010). I have developed knowledge
of the various sources of data collection which helps in collecting reliable and quality data for the
topic. I have learned the manner in which a research is to be conducted for meeting the
objectives of the research. Theoretical knowledge developed in this research will provide
guidance for performing the roles and responsibilities assigned in the personal and professional
life in a better manner (Giles, 2010).
I have conducted this research on this topic as it is a common topic which has gained
much importance in the present era. With the rise in the trade across the border, there has been an
increase in the number of organizations using social networks. Organizations are using social
networks as a marketing tool and enhancing the image of the organization among the society. As

Business Research 5
a professional, knowledge of social networks will be of great use as the knowledge gained will
be utilized in the professional and personal life. In the assignment one, secondary data collected
with the help of articles, books, journals and other internet sources have been presented. In the
assignment two, I have prepared an action plan, discussed the different methods or approaches
which have been used for gathering data. This has been done for ensuring that data collected is
authenticated. Research questions have been constructed as data has been gathered on the basis
of the research questions (Helyer, 2015).
This learning program has helped me in understanding the increasing importance of
social networks in the business environment. I will apply the knowledge developed for
enhancing the performance of the business and executing the roles assigned with a better
approach. As a professional, decisions need to be taken for the purpose of fulfilling the
requirements of the role. Knowledge gained will help in fulfilling or meeting the objectives in a
better manner. I will be able to cope with the changing business environment in a better manner.
Knowledge of the business environment is required for the purpose of operating in the business
environment properly and dealing with the increasing competition (Helyer, 2010).
Thus, from the above-discussed reflection, it can be concluded that this research program has
contributed to the knowledge. This knowledge will be useful in the different phases of life.
Learnings gained during preparing this research program will be applied in the future for the
attainment of the objectives or targets.

Business Research 6
References
Arca, C., 2012, “Social Media Marketing benefits for businesses”, Master of International
Marketing.
Collin, P., Rahilly, K., Richardson, I. & Third, A., 2011, “The Benefits of Social Networking
Services”, UWS.
Drahošováa, M. & Balco, P., 2017, “The analysis of advantages and disadvantages of use of
social media in European Union”, Procedia Computer Science, pp. 1005–1009.
Giles, S. L., 2010, “Reflective Writing and the Revision Process: What Were You Thinking?”,
Colostate.
Helyer, R., 2010, “The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook”, Palgrave Macmillan,
Basingstoke.
Helyer, R., 2015, “Learning through reflection: the critical role of reflection in work-based
learning (WBL)", Journal of Work-Applied Management, Vol. 7 Issue: 1, pp.15-27.
Helyer, R., 2015, “The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook, 2nd ed.”, Palgrave, London.
Jefferson, C. E. & Traughber, S., 2012, “Social Media in Business”, Cameron University.
Kietzmann, J.H., Hermkens, K., McCarthy, I. P. & Silvestre, B.S., 2011, “Social media? Get
serious! Understanding the functional building blocks of social media”, Business Horizons,
54(3), 241-251.

Business Research 7
Maki, S., 2016, “Gaining a competitive advantage through social media marketing in B2C sales”,
Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.