why do people use social media

People use social media primarily for communication and connectivity, entertainment, access to information, and networking. It enables people to stay in touch with friends and family regardless of geographical distance, offers a source of endless entertainment and leisure, provides real-time news and educational content, and helps users build professional opportunities and personal networks. Additionally, social media fulfills emotional needs such as validation, self-expression, and belonging, making it highly engaging and sometimes addictive through psychological triggers like dopamine rewards from interactions. Different platforms cater to different needs, for example, Facebook is popular for maintaining personal connections, Instagram for visual inspiration, and Twitter for real-time updates. Businesses also use social media for consumer insights, marketing, and building brand loyalty.