Social Media-A boon or a bane?

                                       

What is social media?

Social media are collaborative computer-oriented technologies that ease the creation or exchange of information or ideas, to be employed in the things of one’s enthusiasm and inquisitiveness,via Cyberspace, email, information technology, global village, electronic highway and networks. The different kinds of free-standing, deep seated social platform readily available proposes demanding definitions, including negative and positive features of everything. Moreover, it has gradually become an addiction in our society which appears to be an essential notion like mental food to our society. I will express my own personal analysis regarding how I personally see the effects of social media in the following paragraphs.

 

It brings the outer world and our loved ones closer: Connection is the Key

We are living in an era of technology. Technology has changed everything including our communication system and our lifestyle. It is now rapidly growing in the field of information and communication. As a result, hundreds of communication tools are being developed every year that help to reduce the communication gap and enhance a deep connection between people, including the practice of urgency in addressing professional concerns at global level and making our employers instantly satisfied. 

 

Easy access to information on varied subjects: Instant Gratification

Social media has changed the way we used to share information. It’s about time we give it the credit it deserves and finds a way to integrate into the education system. Certainly, the use of social media in education provides students with the ability to get more useful information, to connect with learning groups and other educational systems that make education convenient, particularly in the times of COVID-19. Social network tools afford students and institutions with multiple opportunities to improve learning methods as well. However, it is also important to note that an instant access to any kind of information or misinformation in the world can also cause people to lose some common yet important virtues such as patience and legit level of awareness. Moreover, contamination can occur to legit or important information such as medical treatment and truth about politicians that can mislead the public.

 

Power of Self-Expression vs.  Risk factors in Vulnerability

It has been very well said, “We are known as the technologically savvy generation. A generation that with a tap of a button can connect to each other all over the world.” We can share memories, stories and news with others in what seems like the speed of light. However, the very platform that allows people to express themselves through photos, text posts and videos is receiving backlash. For example, a famous Pakistani actress Qandeel Baloch was killed in the name of honor killing due to her courageous acts of self-expression. It is time for people to realize that social media, and the people who use it as an outlet are not the enemy. As mentioned earlier, social media has also induced self-expression to its maximum ability towards self-care, particularly allowing socially awkward folks to own themselves via gaining social acknowledgement from the individuals they meet on the internet (e.g. pen pals). However, there are two sides to the same coin, thus, people who lack wisdom and self-awareness can also cause havoc for the vulnerable populations, resulting in the increase of suicide rates, identity thefts other kinds of fraudulent activities, including murders. Thus, a sense of community or belonging on social media can bring two complete opposite effects in the world. At this moment all I can think of is the Serenity Prayer, which I hope every social media addict should practice is that, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”