Final answer:
The structural-functional approach sees social media enhancing communication. The social-conflict approach highlights how social media perpetuates inequality. The symbolic-interaction approach views social media as shaping individual perceptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structural-Functional Approach:
The structural-functional approach in sociology views social media as enhancing communication. Social media platforms allow individuals to connect and communicate with a large number of people across distances, breaking down barriers of time and space. It enables people to share information, ideas, and experiences, ultimately strengthening social bonds and promoting social cohesion.
Social-Conflict Approach:
The social-conflict approach in sociology sees social media as perpetuating inequality. It highlights how differential access to media and technology creates and reinforces divisions among communities and individuals. For example, socio-economic disparities can result in unequal access to quality internet connections or devices, limiting opportunities for certain groups.
Symbolic-Interaction Approach:
The symbolic-interaction approach in sociology views social media as shaping individual perceptions. It emphasizes the role of symbols and interactions in shaping how people understand and interpret the world around them. Social media platforms provide opportunities for individuals to create and present themselves through profiles, posts, and interactions, influencing how others perceive them and how they perceive themselves.