We may like or dislike social media, but we cannot do away with it. We cannot do without it.
Today, our social life is highly influenced by social media. It has many positive effects and negative effects as well on the society.
Technically, social media is considered to be an interactive media technology that facilitates the creation and sharing of information, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression through virtual communities and networks.
The most popular social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.
It may be a matter of research on how social media has affected the society.
About ten years ago, when I created my Facebook account, I was thrilled to see new friend requests from some of my very old friends. This is a common experience that occurs among many people. Undoubtedly, such reunions were otherwise impossible.
Many old Bollywood movies had stories, in which siblings or friends would get separated and lost in a huge crowd like Kumbh Mela - the most famous Hindu religious fare, which would be celebrated every 12 years at Prayag. They would get united at the end of the climax or post-climax after many hurdles.
In real life, it was extremely difficult to find the lost people. Whereas Facebook is a wonderful social media platform for finding the lost contacts and keeping in touch with family and friends.
The next popular social medium is WhatsApp. It is widely used for chatting and business purposes.
The third most popular social medium is Twitter, which is widely used for posting breaking news. It is used like a global notice board.
We can often see Twitter being quoted as an authentic source of a politician's remark
Negative Effects of Social Media:
- People are losing direct contact. For example, When I shifted to a new house in a new location my neighbor was not talking to me. So, out of curiosity, I sent him a friend request, which he accepted. Now we are in constant touch.
- Oversharing - People are sharing even unwanted things like pictures of very personal and private moments.
- Now a days many of us prefer to talk through our fingers by texting on Social Media platform. In some families, people talk on WhatsApp only.
- Social media is badly affecting society with fake friends and fake news.
- Social media becomes a deadly tool in the hands of anti-social elements and miscreants who use it for spreading rumors and hatred.
Felt like reading a reminder? Yes, we humans always need the good to be reminded periodically, to be on the track as groomed social animals. Go on sharing good things on social media. Spread love and peace.
About the Author
Ravi Ranjan Goswami is a native of Jhansi (UP). He is a retired IRS officer, a poet, and writer. His published titles include Palayan, Asht Yogis and The Seven Shades.