Day 21 – Q 4.How is social media influencing societal discourse in India? Examine.

4. How is social media influencing societal discourse in India? Examine.  

सोशल मीडिया भारत में सामाजिक विमर्श को कैसे प्रभावित कर रहा है? जांच करें।

Introduction:

Social media platforms are transforming public discourse in ways we do not understand. Billions of people around the world and 460 million in India use Social media to get their news, debate policy, join political movements and connect with friends and family. The platform has become the substrate of our social interactions, how human relationships are formed and maintained. 

Body

Social media influencing societal discourse:

On communication:

• It has Created a Sense of Urgency and a Need to Share any Information. For example – Making of Social media stars like Priya Warrier overnight or Spread of fake news.

• It has made the language lazy and thus resulting in people uninterested in meeting others in person, which eliminates any chance of deep and meaningful conversation. People have started losing their ability to communicate efficiently, which is a testament, to what kind of total control social media has over their lives.

On Politics 

• Facebook’s algorithms have deepened political divisions and facilitated the spread of misinformation and propaganda. Facebook’s algorithms show Different ads to people and there is a chance of a conspiracy theory about a political candidate.
• Social media isn’t just used for entertainment. Both mainstream politicians and extremist groups use Facebook and Twitter to spread information.

On debate:

• Social media gives the right to free speech. But, recently there is reduced scope of constructive criticism and free expression because of never-ending online trolls and hate speeches.

On Privacy:

• The traditional social norm of Privacy is completely changed, people aren’t worrying to post confidential Information because of the LIKE-Hunger or Peer pressure or both.

Instant communication:

• There’s a new change in communication patterns like Preference of texting over face to face communication among the youth.

Conclusion

Social media is influencing Public discourse like never before, It is an enabler to share information but should be used with caution. It is time that the pitfalls of social media and ways to protect oneself are taught in schools.