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Social media has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Statistics show that there are 4.55 billion users around the world, which equates to 57.6 percent. Furthermore, there is an estimated annual growth of 9.9 percent, with experts stating that there are an average of 13 new users every second.

However, as much as we might love social media, there are some instances where we might be blocked from accessing social media websites. This can be frustrating for those who want to keep in touch with their families, friends or colleagues.

However, there is a way to access blocked social media websites. All you need to do is learn how to change your IP address. A VPN will allow you to access any websites that have been blocked by changing your IP address, read on to find out how.

Why Are Social Media Websites Sometimes Blocked?

There are two different reasons why social media websites might be blocked when you try to access them. The good news is that this does not impact the way that you need to use a VPN to access the blocked social media websites.

The first instance where you might come across blocked social media websites is in businesses and offices. Many businesses will block their employees from accessing social media websites to promote productivity in their employees.

In this case it can be risky to unblock social media websites as your employer or colleagues might get you into trouble for it. Ultimately, you will need to decide if you want to risk unblocking social media websites while you’re at work and whether it will affect your productivity.

The second scenario where you might find blocked social media websites is in some countries around the world. Websites are blocked in different countries for varying reasons, and each country has their own reasons for blocking social media websites.

For example, some social media websites might be blocked in middle eastern countries if they promote explicit or anti-Islamic content. This type of content goes against the laws and religions of the country, thus they prevent their citizens from being able to access the websites.

On the other hand, China uses the Great Firewall to block social media websites for political reasons. China is known for having strict internet censorship, and the same goes for social media websites.

In the past, social media websites have been used by people to communicate with one another and coordinate protests against the government. Social media websites have also been used to spread damaging news stories about the Chinese government amongst the citizens.

As such, social media websites were used to undermine the governance of China. Therefore social media was blocked entirely to cut off communication between anti-government activists. It’s important to note that the Great Firewall of China also blocks foreign news websites for example, BBC and some Google services.

What is a VPN?

Websites are blocked based on your location. Your location is determined by your IP address, which is a unique identifier that the internet uses to identify your device and pinpoint your physical location.

Luckily your IP address can be changed by using a VPN. One of the features of a VPN is that it allows you to connect to a global server in a different country or city. Doing so will mask your location and make the website believe that you are accessing it from somewhere else.

For example if you’re in the U.A.E you can connect to a VPN server in the United States which will allow you to browse the internet as if you were in the U.S. This would unblock websites and give you access to any websites that you normally would access while in the U.S, and you’ll even see ads from the U.S as well.

Other Benefits of a VPN

A VPN is a cybersecurity tool first and foremost and it is used to encrypt your internet connection which will allow you to browse the internet anonymously. A VPN will mask what you do online, so no one else will be able to see what you’re doing on your device.

This is helpful while you’re travelling as you may need to make use of pub

wlic WiFi hotspots such as the ones found in airports, hotels and restaurants. These public WiFi hotspots may be convenient, but they can be a hotbed for cybercriminals. These networks are often unsecured, which would make your device an easy target for cybercriminals that are on the same network.

How to Install a VPN

It’s important to remember that you need to install a VPN before you travel as some countries will block the websites that allow you to install a VPN on your device. This will prevent you from installing a VPN and unblocking social media websites if you’re already within the country’s borders. Installing a VPN is incredibly easy, all you need to do is follow the step-by-step guide below.

1. Find your VPN provider. You must do thorough research on each VPN provider as they all have their own benefits and drawbacks. Remember to avoid using a free VPN as they have some drawbacks that will affect your privacy, security and browsing experience.

2. Download and install the VPN app on your device. All premium VPNs are available on major app stores. Alternatively you can also install the app straight from the VPN provider’s website.

3. Create an account with the VPN provider. You will need an account to use the VPN’s unblocking capabilities. All you need to do is follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Activate your VPN. Once your VPN has started up, you can choose which global server you would like to connect to. This will affect the type of content you have access to, for example the adverts that you see on your browser.

5. Visit all your favorite social media websites!