TECHNOLOGY starts with good intentions. In fact, the evolution of technology has really helped mankind in numerous ways. Unfortunately, technology has its downside too when used incorrectly.
Social media for instance, started out as a place to connect with people all over the world. It allows individuals to share their expressions via virtual communities such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, Tumblr and more.
It’s powerful and fast. We probably could even say that the social media’s viral power is faster than a speeding bullet! It has become very influential in the lives of many today. In fact, many thrive on social media feeds. It feeds the attention that many crave and those who are constantly curious. It connects people all over the world through visuals and words.
But, when social media is abused, it can backfire, disrupts lives and ruin people’s reputation and integrity. Take the recent example of the girl who did extremely well in her examinations, but her jealous peers made negative stories about her and posted them on social media.
The fake news caused the girl and her family much distress. There are many other examples of unsubstantiated news which go viral and are shared by Netizens.
Social media is also said to be addictive as many people spend too much time on these platforms. The extreme use of social media is said to reduce the level of human interaction. Too much time is spent in the virtual instead of the “real” world.
It’s not all as bad as it seems with social media though. There are many fruitful outcomes, too, when used in the right context.
Like I said before, technology is not to blame for the negative outcome, but rather on how it is being used. We are now better connected all over the world than ever before. You might have just found your long-lost school mates through Facebook or Twitter.
Though everyone is busy with their lives, we are still able to keep in touch through social media. Social media has the power to convey messages across continents within seconds on anything one wishes to share.
Many are also learning to express themselves more with social media. It is a great universe for expressions, whether its art, music or beauty. It is also a great stress reliever as one can share and let out their emotions. Social media is a great place for entertainment after a long day at work.
When sharing positive and informative news, information or data, social media is great for businesses, too. Many are now using social media to promote their products and services, simply because it is the fastest way to communicate and send a message across globally.
It is cost effective, too. It even levels the playing fields for small- medium-sized businesses as they can now have a wider reach despite their tiny budget.
Social media is our superhero in some ways. There will always be the few villains who abuse the social media, but the good definitely supersedes the bad.
Social media has come a long way and it’s certainly here to stay. So, it’s up to us to make the best of its justice league points to overcome the bad ones in our world today.
The writer is editor of BOTs, the weekly tech section in ‘Life & Times’. Trained in maths, he has since traded his problem-solving skills with writing about how tech has helped to transform the world