Social media
The good, the bad and the ugly
SOCIAL media are interactive digitally-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing/exchange of information, ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks, according to the Wikipedia.
Since it’s a relatively new technology, there’s little research to establish the long-term consequences, good or bad, of social media use. However, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, even suicidal thoughts and hacking, states HelpGuide.org.
1. Responsibility
Social media is indeed a very good tool, but it does come with a certain amount of responsibility. I fully encourage every citizen to express their views as this is called freedom of speech, but we must also remember to refrain from violent hate speech.
2. Hacking
I have personally had my accounts hacked multiple times and have had fake profiles made and even today there are probably four or five still floating around, which really doesn’t bother me now, in fact today I find it quite amusing. The good news is that it’s easier to hunt down trolls and people who make these fake accounts thanks to very specialised forensic IT specialists.
I have used them in the past when I was concerned about the intentions of individuals and had great results, but these services can be expensive to hire.
3. Social interacting
Social Media is a good tool for information and every large news media organization is online like the BBC, ABC News, CNN etc., but more importantly is the fact you can follow whatever your passion is, whether it is soccer, rugby, history, religion there will always be a dedicated platform for this.
4. Reconnecting with friends and family.
For me, the most useful part of social media has been to reconnect with childhood friends and family. We all get busy in our own daily lives, but I have found it an excellent tool for keeping in touch with loved ones both here at home and across the globe, sending them a daily or weekly message strengthens relationships and bonds.
5. Fake news
In regard to fake news, I do feel most individuals today can work out right from wrong as both mainstream media and social media can be misleading, we only have to look at America to see that. Where it can be a little concerning is when we get posts of people passing away, when in fact they are very much alive, this can take a toll on loved ones as it is very malicious indeed.
6. Smoke and mirrors
This is a very important note, having thousands of followers and friends on social media doesn’t necessarily mean you are popular. I have a reasonable number of friends on social media, but really I am only close to 10 or 15 people in my daily life. We must never lose sight of this
7. Wide spectrum of society
My own FB account is a personal one where I have pictures of family, friends and also inspiration images. I have about 5000 friends which is the maximum allowed on FB and another 7000 waiting to be accepted, but more importantly, it gives me a chance to interact with people from the highest offices in the land to the hardworking individuals on the ground. I really appreciate this as I certainly get a realistic view from a wide spectrum of a society of what is happening on the ground.
Incidentally, I have finally decided to join Instagram today. I am not sure how it works, but look forward to seeing more exciting stories and posts. Also, I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to follow me on Instagram at Ajay Bhai Amrit
8. Mind and soul
I encourage everybody to have some social media interaction even if it is checking on a loved one each morning or watching a sermon or inspirational speech, it can certainly nourish your mind and soul.
9. Hate speech
I strongly recommend you try and keep away from hate speech and always remember there is a big difference between criticism which a healthy part of freedom of speech and hate speech, which targets and verbally abuses individuals in the vilest way.
10. Conclusion
Finally, always remember when it comes to social media it is indeed a great tool, but be careful, if your source is not credible then don’t believe everything you hear and only 50 per cent of what you see.
Adios and God bless