is social media a blessing or curse essay

The Pros and Cons of Social Media: A Blessing or A Curse

The pros and cons of social media: a blessing or a curse.

In the current digital era, social media has ingrained itself deeply into our daily lives. It has transformed how we connect, share information, and consume content. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have taken the world by storm, offering exciting opportunities and challenges. 

This article delves into the pros and cons of social media, exploring whether it is a blessing or a curse for society. Let’s dive in and explore the impact of social media on our lives.

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1. The Power of Connection 

Social media has revolutionized communication, allowing us to connect with people worldwide. Social media platforms help us in two ways. 

• First, they help us reconnect with old friends. 
• Second, they assist us in making new friends. 

These platforms make social bonding easier and give a sense of a smaller and more connected world. According to a survey, over 4.5 billion people use social media daily, illustrating its widespread influence on global communication.

2. Information at Your Fingertips 

One of the greatest advantages of social media is instant access to information. News, updates, and trends spread like wildfire on platforms like Twitter. Social media is very useful in times of crisis. For example, it allows information to spread quickly during emergencies or natural disasters. 

3. Opportunities for Businesses 

For businesses, social media has opened up a treasure trove of opportunities. With over 3.8 billion social media users worldwide, companies can tap into a massive audience for advertising and brand promotion. Social media analytics can give us important information about how consumers behave. It allows businesses to adjust their marketing tactics for improved outcomes.

4. Fostering Creativity and Expression  

Social media has empowered individuals to express their creativity and showcase their talents . Whether through photography on Instagram, short videos on TikTok, or thoughtful posts on personal blogs, users can share their passions with the world. This creative outlet has led to the discovery of numerous influencers and artists who might not have gained recognition otherwise.

5. Social Activism and Awareness 

Social media has catalyzed social change, enabling activists to raise awareness about various causes. Movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter gained momentum through online platforms, reaching millions of people worldwide. It has encouraged conversations on important social issues and allowed marginalized voices to be heard.

6. Negative Effects on Mental Health 

Despite its numerous advantages, social media has also been associated with several negative effects on mental health. Always comparing yourself to others’ seemingly flawless lives on social media can make you feel like you’re not good enough. Studies have linked excessive social media use to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially among teenagers.

7. Spread of Misinformation 

One of the significant challenges of social media is the rampant spread of misinformation. False news and rumors can go viral within minutes, leading to confusion and panic. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, just under half – about 48% – of American adults admit they frequently or occasionally get their news from social media. This is a 5% drop compared to 2020’s statistics. Making it crucial for platforms to address the issue of misinformation and fact-checking.

8. Privacy Concerns  

Privacy breaches and data leaks have raised concerns about the safety of personal information shared on social media. With cyberattacks and hacking becoming more sophisticated, protecting users’ privacy has become paramount. A study revealed that 68% of social media users are worried about their data being accessed without consent.

9. Addiction and Time Wastage 

The addictive nature of social media is a significant concern for many individuals. Always scrolling and getting many notifications can make you feel like you must always check these platforms. It can lower your productivity and impact your face-to-face relationships. Studies have shown that social media users spend an average of 2 .5 hours per day on these platforms.

10. Impact on Relationships 

While social media facilitates connections, it can also strain real-life relationships. Using social media too much could mean we’re talking less in person. It can lower the quality of our real-life relationships. Furthermore, misunderstandings and conflicts arising from misinterpreted posts or comments can damage relationships.

11. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 

The anonymity provided by social media can sometimes lead to cyberbullying and online harassment. Teenagers in particular may find it difficult to avoid persistent cyberbullying. Serious emotional and mental health issues may result from it. According to a report, 7 in 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying at least once before they hit the age of 18.

12. Influence on Political Discourse 

Social media plays a significant role in shaping political discourse and public opinion. Social media has created a place where different opinions can be shared. However, it also gets blamed for creating groups that only share similar views. Plus, it is often used to spread content that divides people. A Pew Research Center study found that 62% of American adults believe social media has a negative impact on political discussions.

Social media is a double-edged sword with benefits and drawbacks. Its power to connect people, disseminate information, and promote businesses is undeniable. At the same time, it poses risks to mental health, privacy, and interpersonal relationships. The key lies in responsible and mindful use of social media as individuals and as a society. We can make the most out of social media if we understand its risks. By working towards creating a safe and positive online space , we can reduce the negative aspects that can sometimes feel like a curse.

1. Can social media really impact mental health?

Several studies show a connection between heavy social media use and raised anxiety levels. Many also found that it can lead to more depression. On top of it all, there’s a link between using too much social media and feeling lonely. Social media often makes us compare ourselves with others. It also shows us unrealistic standards. Both of these factors can harm our mental health.

2. How can businesses benefit from social media?

Social media provides businesses with a vast audience for advertising and brand promotion. It also offers valuable analytics to understand consumer behavior and tailor marketing strategies accordingly.

3. What are some ways to protect personal privacy on social media?

Users should take steps to keep their personal information safe on social media. One way to do this is by regularly checking their privacy settings. It’s important not to share sensitive information so that everyone can see it. Also, be careful when someone you don’t know sends a friend request or asks you to follow them.

4. Can social media be a tool for social activism?

Absolutely. Social media holds a key role in increasing awareness about different social issues. It provides a platform for activists to share their views and rally for change. This leads to worldwide discussions that can trigger positive actions.

5. How can we combat misinformation on social media?

Combatting misinformation requires collective efforts from platforms, users, and fact-checking organizations. People should double-check information before they share it on social media. At the same time, social media platforms need to have strong systems in place to check facts. These systems should be able to flag any false content automatically.

Eric Smith is an experienced SEO Consultant currently working at Ajroni . His expertise in SEO strategies helps businesses improve their online visibility and attract more audience. Eric continues to apply his knowledge and skills to support the digital growth of several businesses.

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The Impact of Social Media: Blessing or Curse?

Introduction

Social media has fundamentally transformed the way we communicate, connect, and consume information. It’s an undeniable part of our lives, with billions of people worldwide participating in various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. However, the question of whether social media has had a net positive or negative impact on society is a subject of ongoing debate. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the arguments from both sides of this contentious issue and provide a summary table to help you better understand the main points.

Arguments in Favor of Social Media (The Blessing)

Arguments Against Social Media (The Curse)

The debate over the impact of social media is a multifaceted and continually evolving one. While it offers global connectivity, empowerment, and opportunities for businesses, it also raises legitimate concerns about mental health, privacy, and the spread of misinformation. The “blessing or curse” question is complex and depends largely on how social media is used and the balance individuals strike between their virtual and real-world lives.

As society continues to grapple with these issues, it’s crucial to approach social media use mindfully, acknowledging both its benefits and drawbacks. Striking that balance and using these platforms responsibly can help ensure that the blessings of social media outweigh its curses in our daily lives. In the end, the impact of social media is largely determined by the choices and actions of its users.

Social Media: A Curse or a Blessing?

Since 2005 the number of adults that use social media in the United States has risen from eight percent to 72 percent, according to Forbes.com. Social media use is on the rise, and though many may not realize it, frequent use can be seen as an addiction.

“I find myself clicking on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram icons over and over, as if my newsfeeds are going to change and show me something incredibly different within seconds,” said Kelly Brockett, senior communication major. “I find myself more worried about what’s going on in the social media world rather than taking in what is physically around me, a bad habit I am trying to break.”

Use of social media has become very common among people. People are found using cell phones while in supermarkets, hallways, dinners and even in classrooms. A cell phone can be found in a student’s hands, pocket and even on top of their desk.

“When I am walking I use it to play music, text or for social media. I always have my phone on me, also if I can get away with having it on my desk then it’s usually there,” said Marcus McKenzie, Penn State University senior. “I check Twitter and Instagram every moment I get.”

George Kapalka, Chair of the Department of Psychological Counseling said he thinks the phone is a tool. “I think what people are attached to and crave is more what the activity is and the phone simply provides them an easy way to be able to do that,” said Kapalka.

Kapalka continued, “People now seem to crave being connected with the social media and that really has replaced social groups to a large extent.”

Craving social media is what is seen as an issue. The use of social media is one thing, although once feelings of distress and unpleasantness occur because a person is unable to access their accounts as a serious issue may be at hand.

A psychological fear has been diagnosed called “nomophobia” or no-mobile-phone-phobia, it is the feeling that people experience when their phone was left at home, dies or they are unable to access it, according to nomophobia.com. The fear causes high levels of stress that is created when unable to communicate through the cell phone at any time of the day. Some of the reasons people experience this fear is due to losing or forgetting their phone, SIM card failure, battery failure, running out of minutes, traveling, or from poor reception.

“I am guilty of experiencing a complete sense of panic when I leave my phone at home. I just feel completely disconnected and almost vulnerable,” said Kayla Horvath, communication major.

A Fox Business report found that Americans spend on average of 16 minutes every hour on social networking sites. The report stated, “Your intention might be to hop online to quickly update your status or tweet your latest life revelation, but social media is addictive and a major time consumer.”

The need to check a cell phone has become so common and even natural to people that the Huffington Post name the reaction a mechanical movement. “…You can’t help yourself, because checking your smartphone is a mechanical movement for you, as involuntary as breathing or blinking or producing saliva in your mouth.”

Brocket explains that when she does not have her phone she feels “sheer panic.” “I feel like my life is on that phone, all my contacts, my calendar, my email, everything … I’d be too worried I was missing someone trying to get a hold of me if I didn’t have my phone.”

Many have found that if they don’t check their phone or go a period of time without scrolling through non-existent notifications, they begin to feel a vibration that never actually happened. This feeling has been named, “phantom vibration syndrome.” The syndrome is a perceived vibration from a device that is not actually vibrating, according to a study done by Indiana and Purdue University’s Department of Psychology.

The study found that 89 percent of the 290 undergraduate students experienced phantom vibrations. The students in the study explained that they experienced phantom vibration syndrome about once every two weeks on average. The study also found that the students who expressed a strong reaction to a vibration or phone notification, experienced phantom vibration syndrome more often.

Many wonder what is so appealing about social media. “I think people are becoming so addicted to social media because it fulfills a certain drive or need that we never before had the means to like we do now, nosiness,” said Horvath. “Almost everyone likes to feel connected and is curious about what the big news is in their friends or families life.”

Horvath adds that social media is a mindless activity that is very easy to look at. “I use social media multiple times a day. Most of the time it is simply because I am bored and curious as to what else is going on around me.”

“I use Instagram the most. It’s just so dumb. I sit there and refresh, refresh, refresh the page. I know I’m better than that. I can be doing things that are actually worth whole with my time but no,” Raven Brunson senior communication major said.

Social media is an activity that is used by people almost every day but what uses are considered as an addiction? “I think that addiction to social media is when you are constantly on it. If you pick it up while in the middle of conversation with someone you’re not listening,” said Brunson.

Horvath said, “I think a person could be considered addicted when they post multiple tweets, Facebook posts, or Instagram posts per day.”

Brockett explains that social media addiction is, “people who are sometimes far too interested in what their newsfeeds look like instead of being mentally present while they are spending quality time with friends and family.”

To some, exhaustive amount of social media use is not seen as an addiction. “Addiction is a pretty heavy word that shouldn’t be thrown around too lightly,” said Jen Pacheco, senior psychology major. “People get addicted to heroin. But it’s not crazy to think that our impulse to constantly check social media time after time and scroll, scroll, scroll is detrimental to us in some way.”

Franca Mancini, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services said, “Addiction isn’t normal, and I hesitate to use that term other than in extreme cases, but there is the possibility that for some individuals that habit of the cell can get out of hand.”

Pacheco adds, “It’s becoming a societal norm, you’re weird if you’re not connected.” Based on the amount of social media users it has become “the norm.”

“I do not think people are consciously aware of the addiction because it has just become a part of our life,” said Horvath. “We are over-saturated by it. It is the new norm.”

As a result of increased social media use, people are finding themselves searching for help. In September of 2013 the first inpatient Internet addiction treatment center in the country opened at Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania.

Psychologist Dr. Kimberly Young decided to open the center after spending the past 18 years treating patients addicted to the Internet. She felt that the issue was rising and due to the amount of requesting treatment options, something needed to be done.

The center offers a 10-day inpatient program available to adults over 18-years-old. The center currently offers 16 available beds and uses the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principle, or “talk therapy” to help overcome their addiction through verbal communication.

The internet addictions vary from social media, eBay, pornography, and gambling addictions. The patients experience a 72-hour detox from the internet where they are slowly reintroduced to face-to-face communication.

“Is this a start of a new revelation?” said Andrea Gonzalez, political science major. “A revelation as in, do people really not know how to resist using social media? I am shocked to hear this but I fear that it will only lead to more addiction centers throughout the control.”

Many wonder how this continued use of social media may affect people and relationships in the future. Kapala explains that the relationships are not as personal as they were before. “I don’t want to be fatalistic, but I am not particularly optimistic of the effect that it is going to have,” he said.

Kapalka continued, “I am concerned that it’s going to turn us as human beings into more and more self-centered people that don’t know too much about empathy and how to express it, because you don’t develop as much close physical relationships … Because the interaction is through social media or over text rather than physically being there watching the person react to what you are doing.”

The first step to addressing the issue is first realizing that increased social media use is a problem and can create lasting effects. Checking a cell phone 10 minutes of every hour is seen as a societal norm, meanwhile others using social media excessively are checking in to internet rehabilitation centers.

“It should not affect your outside experiences. The screen is not your life and it should not be used constantly,” said Brunson. “I’m not Instagram famous, nor do I feel that way. I just think that I over use it.”

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A Blessing or a Curse?

The Role of Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa

• Living reference work entry
• First Online: 21 July 2023
• Cite this living reference work entry

• Johannes Bhanye   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9658-7755 7 &
• Alouis Bhanye 8  

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5 Citations

In the face of global disasters, social media has become a primary source of information. Social media refers to websites and applications that allow people to share content quickly, efficiently, and in real time such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This study examines the role of social media during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. On the one hand, social media was a “blessing” during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa by facilitating information dissemination and raising awareness, providing updated and real-time health-related information, giving citizens a platform to give their opinions on the pandemic, perpetuating associational life, bringing positivity during scary times, allowing education to continue through virtual learning, facilitating the performance of work and business functions, and acting as misinformation watchdogs. While social media helped curb the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, it was also a “curse,” on the other hand. The dark side of social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from social media being a driver of conspiracy theories and the “infodemic” – an over-abundance of information, social media, and the misnomer of the magic bullet effect, increasing mental health and stress, and causing panic response to the pandemic by the public. This chapter recommends that African governments and public media authorities craft policies that promote the sharing of factual and up-to-date information while also addressing the spread of misinformation during global disasters. The public should also play a role by avoiding spreading fake news and always crosschecking social media information.

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Bhanye, J., Bhanye, A. (2023). A Blessing or a Curse?. In: The Palgrave Handbook of Global Social Problems. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68127-2_367-1

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Social Media: a blessing or a curse ?

The Internet: A Blessing or a Curse? Essay

Introduction, the internet, a blessing, the internet, a curse.

The invention of the computer and the subsequent birth of the internet has been seen as the most significant advance of the 20th century. Over the course of the past few decades, there has been a remarkable rise in the use of computers and the internet and these two have revolutionized the way in which we carry out our day to day activities. In addition to this, the unprecedented high adoption rate of the internet has resulted in it being a necessity in the running of our day to day lives. With this wide-scale penetration of the internet into many facets of our life, it has become apparent that the internet has both positive and negative effects on individuals and society at large.

In light of this reality of the two faces of the internet, there has risen the question of whether the internet is a blessing or a curse to mankind. This paper shall argue that while the internet does pose many real dangers, the internet is overall a blessing to humanity and its positive impacts far outweigh its ills. To reinforce this assertion, this paper shall highlight the significant merits of the internet and demonstrate how the ills can be mitigated for the good of all.

One of the most monumental effects of the internet is that it has led to the speeding up of globalization which is a process characterized by a major integration of economies and cultures. Globalization is characterized by a reduction in barriers between nations as the world strives to become a harmonic society. Sahay (2005, p.36) asserts that the ability of computing technologies to traverse geographical and social barriers has resulted in the creation of a closer-knit global community. The internet is to a large extent responsible for breaking down the barriers between different nations and therefore making the move towards making the world a global village feasible. This is because the internet exposes people to varying cultures and traditions therefore making us appreciate the differences.

Knowledge has always been seen to be critical to the advancement of any civilization. As such, man has always sought for ways to accumulate and disseminate information for the betterment of his kind. The internet has greatly aided this task by enabling the sharing of information among people at a previously unprecedented scale. This sharing of information has resulted in an increase in knowledge as people exchange ideas through the internet. With the help of the internet, are no longer confined to physical libraries as their only source of information. They can now tap into the vast resources that computers present through the internet. The internet’s connectivity has also led to more collaboration among students and scientists in their quest for knowledge thus further enhancing their educational experience.

The internet has afforded people the chance to get an education at their convenience. In the early years, one had to physically attend school facilities for educational purposes. This locked out multitudes of people who had the will to obtain an education but lacked the time to make it happen. Computers have changed this by enabling learning to be more dynamic by the use of online classes. This is in the form of the phenomenon known as “online education”. Students can take classes from wherever they may be and at any time by using virtual classrooms. The internet has therefore increased the number of people currently enrolled in higher learning institutes thus making education more universal than it was before the inception of computers.

The internet has led to a shift in the power bases by taking power from the political and economic elites, big businesses and governments and transferring the same to ordinary people. Ward (2003) suggests that through its distributive ability, the internet will decentralize traditional media channels, therefore, allowing for the interactive community which will result in citizen-based, participatory democracy. Therefore, as a result of the internet, people are no longer privy to government misinformation or even propaganda since they can report the news for themselves. This is a desirable change especially in countries whereby power is wielded by a few elites who control mainstream media and oppress their people.

As more people give information or perform activities online, the internet continues to cause a great infringement on individual privacy which is defined as “the right to be left alone” (Moran & Weinroth 2008, 46). This is especially through online shopping whereby one may be forced to enter personal details. When a person accesses the internet, their activities online may be monitored and information about them stored. User privacies have been violated by the use of tracking software and cookies which have enabled organizations to profile individuals. This information is normally collected without consent and sometimes without the knowledge of the user. Moran and Weinroth note that a more daunting reality is the possibility of this data being accessed and utilized for activities that may negatively impact the individual.

The internet has brought about the creation of a new class of people known as Hackers who are people who break into computer systems mostly for the fun of it. Hacking is one of the things which make the internet a very dangerous place. This is because hacking might lead to the exploitation of the vulnerabilities of a system resulting in harm or obtaining some illegal gains for the hacker.

While computer hacking is a criminal act under federal laws, this has not helped to deter the hackers and the fact that some countries do not have laws against hacking only makes dealing with hackers more difficult. While some hackers present themselves to the public and the hacking community as good or fighting for a good cause, this is not always the case as some hackers do use their skills for destruction or even blackmail (Jones & Valli 2008). As such, usage of the internet exposes one to dangers from hackers who may steal ones identity and use it to commit fraud.

One of the uglier effects of the internet is that it has made the world more dangerous for children. This is especially with regard to sexual exploitation since the internet has exposed children through its great connectivity power. The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (2000) states that pedophiles may and actually do use the internet to find potential victims and trade in child pornography. By use of chat rooms, children may be lured into meeting strangers who may then proceed to sexually abuse them.

While such acts were there before the internet era, the internet has made prying on children easier and more effective than was in the past. The internet is also used to facilitate the sex trade through websites that offer detailed information as to the counties where pedophiles may go to exploit children owing to the place’s lax child protection laws. The fact that the internet gives anonymity to people is one of the features which have led to the increase in child sexual exploitation through the internet.

The internet has brought about the possibility of cyber terrorism which is defined as “the premeditated, politically motivated attack against information, computer systems, computer programs, and data which result in violence against noncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents.” (Bidgoli 2004, p.354). The most notable of these attacks was perpetrated against Georgia and Estonia following the dispute with Russia. Korns and Kastenver (2009) note that these attacks resulted in the disabling of communication means for the Georgian government. These realities are bleak considering the fact that a small terrorist group may make use of the internet to severe essential infrastructure of a country.

For all its good, the internet remains as a dangerous and unregulated highway whereby crimes are committed and accountability is low. From the discussions presented above, it is clear that there are a number of real dangers that exist as a result of the internet. Some of these dangers e.g. the risk of children falling prey to molesters may be resolved by the use of a police force that has the power to monitor the internet.

The creation of global and enforceable laws which will make people legally accountable for their actions will also result in making the internet safer for all. While this goes against the basic idea of the internet as a place without any restrictions, every day realities dictate that law enforcement is necessary online to contain crimes that are continually being instigated through the internet. By so doing, some form of order can be brought to the internet, therefore, making it safer for all.

The threat of hackers is very real and presents a big challenge especially to organizations handling critical data. To cope with this, there are tools in place to secure computer networks against attacks. These tools ensure that threats against a network are identified and neutralized and that vulnerabilities are identified and protection measures are adopted. By detecting and defeating the intruders, the advantages of the internet can be reaped without any real danger to the individual or the organization.

The threat of terrorist attacks is very real in today’s world. Wilson (2005) notes that many international terrorist groups are actively using the internet to communicate amongst themselves, spread propaganda and even recruit new members. This raises the possibility that the internet could be used to carry out a well coordinated cyberattack on the critical infrastructure of the country. Wilson (2005) declares that it is unlikely that cyberterrorism will pose the same threat that physical attacks such as Nuclear, Biological or chemical threats pose. As such, the internet does not greatly empower terrorists to carry out their actions and as such, the fear of terrorists causing significant harm through the internet is unfounded.

This paper set out to argue that the internet is mostly benevolent to man. To reinforce these claims, this paper has highlighted some of the positive impacts of the internet on man. The negative impacts have also been stated and a discussion on how real the dangers are undertaken. From the findings in this paper, it is clear that some of the dangers associated with the internet are exaggerated and the real once can be gracefully handled through available means. This paper has noted that by adopting these measures against the dangers inherent in the internet, the dangers can be mitigated or even extinguish all together. Once that is done, the positive attributes of the internet can be exploited therefore making the internet a blessing to mankind and his endeavors.

Bidgoli, H 2004, The Internet encyclopedia, Volume 1. John Wiley and Sons.

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (2000), Child Sexually Exploitation and the Internet . Web.

Jones, A & Valli, C 2008, Building a Digital Forensic Laboratory, Butterworth-Heinemann.

Korns, WS & Kastenverg, EJ 2009, Georgia’s Cyber Left Hook . Web.

Moran, JT & Weinroth, J 2008 , Invasion Of Privacy On The Internet: Information Capturing Without Consent, Journal of Business & Economics Research, Volume 6, Number 7.

Sahay, R, 2005, The causes and Trends of the Digital Divide . Web.

Ward, D 2003, Impact of New Technology on the Traditional Media: A Special Issue of Trends in Communication, Routledge.

Wilson, C 2005, Computer Attack and Cyberterrorism: Vulnerabilities and Policy Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service.

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Your right to know Thursday, May 09, 2024

Social Media: Blessing or a Curse?

Dr Atique Ur Rehman

October 18, 2022

Social media is a revolution that has changed our lives in many ways-both positive and negative. It has eased connectivity in our lives but complicated many other social issues. The new media platforms, which include Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram, have turned into powerful enablers of vast disinformation campaigns. Fewer efforts are seen on the part of administrators of these platforms in building honest and straightforward content moderation to control hate speech and disinformation on their platform against states, institutions and individuals.

A couple of days ago, news propped up that a 35 years old woman, mother of three children, committed suicide when a culprit uploaded and shared her doctored images on social media.

This is one such news reported on media, there are hundreds of stories about social media abuse, online financial and academic frauds, hacking, cyber-attacks and propaganda.

The UK daily reported that social media-related crimes have increased up to 780 per cent in the last few years.

Social media and digital tools are an integral part of our lives and are very productive. During the pandemic, social media was a helping tool for maintaining social support and getting updates related to the pandemic. The new culture of working from home and online delivery of commodities is again the kind of pandemic.

A psychologist, who practices in twin cities stated that 25 per cent of female patients have experienced of online harassment, in one way or the other.

Digital World has empowered the common man without making him a responsible citizen.

Human life is exposed. There is nothing private or hidden. This data of human activity is being stored and analysed by big machines for use in boosting sales of their brands based upon preferences deducted from analysed data. Our political preferences, likes and dislikes indicate our behaviour, which is picked up by machines through algorithms. These preferences are great to help political parties secure a win in elections.

Due to these ill practices of social media, the whole fabric of society is in danger.

A need has been felt in big democracies and most organized societies to have a set of rules in the cyber world, which are now influencing individuals, governments, education, trade, telecommunication, foreign relations and all aspects of life.

If social media is not managed through laws, it will lose its utility and wreak havoc on the world of information.

In the recent past, we have witnessed more chaos because of the exponential growth of social media manipulation of information through an organized infrastructure (by even states against adversaries) to create unrest among the public. It is a globe-spanning information conflict, fought by hundreds of millions of people across dozens of social media platforms. It is not only political battles but insurgencies, conflicts, and human rights being managed through digital platforms.

In an era of post-truth, audiences tend to believe information that appeals to their emotions and their personal beliefs, as opposed to seeking and accepting information regarded as factual and objective. People’s information consumption is guided by the emotional, dimension, as opposed to the cognitive dimension. This post-truth reality is one of the reasons for the proliferation of disinformation.

Political news remains a dominant discourse in the country. Subsequently, public discussions are mostly focused on political issues. Social media influencers mould public opinion through arguments, graphics, doctored pictures and videos and proliferate the same content world over. In any intense situation, the information cloud becomes so dense in a flash of time that it is difficult to make sense of anything. This complex situation is an “information disorder.”

The deliberate use of “disinformation” through assertion by political leaders is creating chaos and imbalance in society. Disinformation is the most harmful way of achieving end objectives. Fabricated news is floated on any social media platform through unknown sources, which is proliferated by troll farms. Factious hashtags (#) are made to malign individuals, organisations and political opponents.

Local television reported a few weeks ago that during July and August, 4.86 million tweets originated for twenty-one hashtags against the military. It was a smear campaign to influence public opinion against security forces.

Indian Chronicles, a global conspiracy, was exposed by EU Disinfo Lab in Brussels in 2020. It was a state-sponsored propaganda network established across the globe by India against states not in conformation with Indian policies. The network of fake websites, NGOs, and news agencies had been operating since 2005 and it continues. Indian chronicles have been termed the biggest promoter of organised fake news in the world.

Digital World has empowered the common man without making him a responsible citizen. This is where the problem starts for society and the state.

Disinformation is always aimed to malign other individuals or institutions.

An Islamabad-based think tank analysed the top five hashtags on the Pakistan Twitter panel every four hours from December 1, 2021, to April 20, 2022. The sample comprised 3356 hashtags. Results show that trends related to partisan politics were more than 87 per cent of all politics-related trends, followed by Judiciary related trends at nine per cent and civ-mil-related trends at four per cent.

Data analysis revealed that both major political parties dominated the twitter space with more than 300 Hashtags comprising mostly partisan politics. Supreme Court was the second most recurring hashtag indicating how the politicization of the judiciary and its ensuing criticisms had taken centre stage amidst the ongoing political turmoil. Research also found that Twitter activity was supported by Indian trolls.

Another study revealed that Indian Info-Ops focusing on Pakistan has gone through a strategic shift in the last year and has adopted a multi-faceted strategy. This entails promoting a soft image of Indian Military operations in Indian-occupied Kashmir on the one hand while concertedly amplifying the BLA’s and TTP’s activities within Pakistan on the other. The varying, techniques, mediums and narratives point towards increasingly sophisticated and dedicated teams carrying out the above with very specific goals and expertise.

Another study carried out by the digital media wing of the government reveals that Indian and Afghanistan intelligence agencies have been collaborating to defame Pakistan to influence the FATF authorities which ultimately resulted in placing Pakistan in grey and it continue.

There is no bigger threat to a state than societal chaos. The complexity of the situation requires stringent measures at the government level to regulate the use of social media within given norms.

The writer is PhD in International Relations from QAU and can be reached at atiquesheikh2000 @gmail.com

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Social media: a blessing or a curse, is social media ruining life as we know it today.

In today's society, it's pretty uncommon to come across someone that doesn't have an iPhone glued to their hands at all times. Keep in mind, there are the occasional Android users, or even the "technology is overrated" people that refuse to own anything other than a flip phone. However, it's nearly impossible to get by in today's fast paced world without some form of technology. Even schools and colleges are now utilizing social medias such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to relay important information to their students and or fans.

The question is simple: Is social media a blessing or a curse?

Although there is no right or wrong answer to this controversy, older generations tend to give the cold shoulder to the "selfie generation" as they call it. I mean, come on, we're capable of more than just selfies - and let's get this straight too, Snapchat selfies definitely do not fall under the selfie category, end of discussion.

Yes, there are people that can't go five minutes without checking their phone (guilty as charged), but people don't realize the many benefits that come along with modern day technology.

Meeting and staying in touch with people.

One of the biggest blessings of social media, in my opinion, is the ability for us to stay connected with friends, family, significant others, co-workers, classmates, etc. Even though I'm headed off to college soon, thanks to my iPhone I can keep up with everyones' lives through their posts online. So you can guarantee that I will have stalked my best friends' new best friends (with no shame) by the time we all come home for Christmas break.

News at your fingertips.

No, we may not sit at the breakfast table and read the news paper with a cup of coffee every morning, but we still know what's going on in this crazy world of ours. News crews have taken to Twitter and Facebook to share important information to their followers with the ability to "retweet" and "share" what is posted. When anything significant happens you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be all over social media with hashtags and all. "#weareeducated" "#ipromise"

You'll never get lost.

Thanks to Siri, we know to "turn left here" or that "your destination is on the right." Without iPhones, we'd still be printing off directions from MapQuest, or who knows, maybe we'd be going super old school and reading a real map (yes, thanks to world geography we all still know how to do so, I swear).

Along with the good however, comes the ugly..

Transforming the dating world.

Unfortunately, the act of chivalry has diminished significantly since social media has shaped the dating world. Often times instead of a guy asking a girl on a date in person, he goes through this stage of "talking" - where the guy just texts the girl to get a feel for her before making any real moves. Or worst yet, a twitter DM reading, "You're hot! Text me?" This has assisted in making relationships less intimate and even led to the infamous "I can't believe you liked her picture?" or "How could you snapchat her ?!" Whether or not these are just trust issues, social media is definitely to blame for part of these issues.

Altering body image.

Of course confidence is key, and if you're proud of your appearance then you go girl (or boy), however, social media has made it almost inevitable to compare yourself to someone online. Whether it's a Kardashian or a VS Angel, the social "norm" for body image has been completely altered by unrealistic expectations. Kim Kardashian makes sure to please her 72.4 million followers by posing and showing off her curves with no shame. She is just a prime example of the power that celebrities hold with their social media accounts. People only want to post the pictures that makes them look flawless. When in reality, they still wake up with bed hair and probably have a zit or two that you'd never know about because of the power of editing.

Cyber bullying.

And here I rest my final case, cyber bullying. I don't know if any of you took the time to watch the ABC Family special "Cyberbully," but if you have seen it, then I can guarantee that you were affected by it. One of my biggest pet peeves is people that hide behind social media and trash talk others online. Of course you can witness bullying in many ways, but the ability to create and post through anonymous accounts online has taken it to a whole new level. People don't realize that once they post something online, it's permanent, and words do hurt people. I know, I know, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me," but this is the farthest thing from true. Words hurt, and sometimes words hurt enough for people to believe that the only way out is to end their own lives. This is a social issue that needs to be put to an end.

So I ask the question again.. Is social media a blessing or a curse?

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25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

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Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse?

High school student in New York City

The way I see it, it all depends on how these sites, like Facebook or Twitter, are being used. Social media itself can be abused, overused, and taken advantage of. However, the power of social media itself is probably greater than the power of any person, any novel, any ruler, or even any country. But, whether that incredible power is a blessing or a curse is also one matter to question.

The power of social media can be something extremely influential. This first took a huge toll in the beginning of 2011 with the political upheaval of Egypt. The Internet's far-reaching speed combined with social media websites to create something unforgettable. The voices of Egypt stood together to overthrow the regime of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and they spread all throughout the world. The power of social media was also noted when Mexicans turned to it for survival, not too long ago.

At first, this served as a revolution. For the very first time, people's voices and opinions were coming together to form something larger than themselves. But we have to wonder, is that power too much? History has repeated itself in telling us that it becomes a problem when one voice has too much power. One only needs to look at people like Hitler, Idi Amin, and Mao Zong for proof that giving one voice too much power can sink an entire people or nation. And in Egypt, this corrupting nature of power turned itself over from the ruler to the subjects which resulted in the same horrific effect. From this, it is clear that social media has a way of lending itself to this attribute of power.

Another way social media can act as a curse is through its changing the behavior of our society. Some say social media sites can lend to shorter attentions and less efficient work. Not only that, but my generation, that is, teenagers, tends to abuse social media and use it for popularity. Despite social media being a term with the connotation of connecting us, that seems to be one thing it is doing least. People who abuse Facebook, for example, by requesting and accepting as many 'friends' as possible, up to thousands, are giving those relationships artificial traits. Those relationships are so scattered and insignificant that many people don't even know some of their 'friends.' These thinning relationships have no such value, and are illusions of genuine relationships. In this abuse of social media, values of building relationships and making new connections, as were the intentions of social media, are taken away and transformed wrongfully. Nevertheless, many people do use social media for positive purposes, which leads me to the side of social media that is a complete blessing to this modern world.

When used correctly, the benefits of social media can far outweigh some of its downfalls. Social media changes the world every day, in ways both small and large. For everyone who uses it, social media at least promotes and encourages communication and lends to more modern ways of learning and communicating. Not only do they lend to more efficiency in our rapidly evolving technologically advanced society, but social media sites are also some of the best ways to positively influence people by sharing your opinions. They act as platforms for your voice. If you have great ideas or want to be heard or found, websites like Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn can promote those good intentions. Through these sites, you can find millions of people who share the same interests as you, and start making a difference, step by step.

Social media websites can operate as both curses and blessings in our modern society. The difference between it as a curse and a blessing all hangs on the shoulders of its users. You may choose to abuse the potential of Facebook, or to change the world with Twitter. The difference in your actions may be small, but the end result varies greatly, and it is up to you to decide social media's role in your life.

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From our partner, more in high school.

Why removing protections on social media – in the name of free speech – is bad for peacebuilding

Senior Lecturer in Communications, Media and Democracy, University of Glasgow

Disclosure statement

Paul Reilly does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Glasgow provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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On May 16 the world will mark the UN International Day of Living Together in Peace. It is a rallying call for people to listen respectfully to others and promote tolerance and understanding.

Perhaps someone should tell tech entrepreneurs Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. The online platforms they head up – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X – have become synonymous with fake news, hate speech, misinformation and other online harms.

Social media has been widely blamed for destabilising democracies and fomenting civil unrest in Europe and North America. In July 2023, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, proposed restricting access to online platforms in order to quell rioting.

This is a far cry from 2009, when Facebook proudly claimed it had created “friendships” between seemingly irredeemably rival groups: Sunni and Shia Muslims, Muslims and Jews, Pakistanis and Indians, Greeks and Turks, conservatives and liberals.

“Peace on Facebook” was a classic example of what social scientist Nicholas John refers to as “social media bullshit”. Such PR blurb is designed to convince the public these tech companies are a force for good. They purposefully describe themselves as “platforms” – rather than commercial entities – to emphasise how benign they are.

In reality, these companies financially benefit from every click, like, share and comment users on their platforms make. The more inflammatory the content, the more profitable it is. My research shows that such online incivility only makes it harder to promote peaceful coexistence

Divisive content

There appears little chance of social media platforms taking stronger action to remove divisive content. Since tech entrepreneur Elon Musk’s acquisition of the X (formerly Twitter) microblogging platform in October 2022, the guardrails designed to protect minorities have, in fact, been dismantled.

Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council was dissolved in December 2022. This move, among many other policy changes, prompted an insider to go public with their fears that the site could no longer protect users from trolling, disinformation and sexual exploitation.

Musk has reportedly described himself as a “free speech absolutist” . This is particularly problematic for those whose real job it is to promote peace in deeply divided societies.

There is already extensive evidence that online platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have been used to spread hate speech. They have been used to incite sectarian violence, too, in countries including India and Myanmar .

In Sri Lanka, following anti-Muslim rioting in 2018, Facebook issued an apology for its role in the unrest. The company hired Article One, the human rights consultancy, to investigate what had happened. It concluded that the hate speech and misinformation that was amplified by Facebook users online “may have led” to violence offline.

My research shows that rumours, misinformation and disinformation have frequently been amplified by social media during contentious parades and protests in Northern Ireland. There is little evidence that such online activity inevitably leads to sectarian rioting. The indirect effects of online incivility, however, is that it makes it harder to promote reconciliation between former antagonists.

In effect, online platforms at present focus more attention on what divides rather than unites different communities.

Research shows that unsupervised intergroup contact , both on and offline, is unlikely to foster positive peace in societies that are transitioning out of conflict. Reducing prejudices against outgroups is much easier when there are rules in place to respond to content that inflames tensions between different communities. In other words, rival groups are unlikely to find common ground in unregulated online spaces where hate speech flourishes.

Clearly, frequent exposure to the online hate speech amplified by social media platforms is unlikely to aid peacebuilding. Communities who do not typically share the same physical space are unlikely to think differently about each other when they see such negative stereotypes being perpetuated online.

Social media such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) might not be the best place to promote peace. These platforms are designed to generate profit, not improve community relations.

For intergroup dialogue in contemporary societies to be effective minorities and vulnerable communities need stronger protections, not less. A public service internet , guardrails included, might be a better way to promote reconciliation in divided societies.

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An Essay on Computer: Blessing or Curse

• Introduction
• Blessings of Computers
• Potential Downsides and Concerns
• Striking a Balance

In our fast-paced modern era, computers have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. They stand as powerful tools that have redefined how we communicate, learn, work, and find entertainment. From revolutionizing education to enhancing global connectivity, the impact of computers is undeniable. However, as with any powerful tool, there are also important considerations about privacy, security, and the potential for overreliance.

Computers have bestowed numerous blessings upon humanity. Firstly, they have revolutionized communication. Through emails, social media, and video conferencing, we can now connect with people from all corners of the globe in an instant. This has strengthened relationships and enabled collaborations on a global scale.

Secondly, computers have transformed education. They provide access to a vast repository of knowledge through the internet, making learning more interactive and engaging. Online courses and educational resources have made quality education accessible to a wider audience, breaking down geographical barriers.

In the realm of business and work, computers have greatly enhanced efficiency. Tasks that once took hours or even days to complete can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time. This has boosted productivity and allowed for more time to be devoted to creative and strategic endeavors.

You May Like: An Essay on My First Day at College

However, alongside the blessings, there are also potential downsides to consider. One significant concern is the overreliance on computers. Some individuals may become so engrossed in their screens that they neglect real-world interactions, leading to a sense of isolation and detachment.

Another concern is the threat to privacy and security. With the increasing amount of personal information stored online, there is a risk of unauthorized access and misuse. Cybersecurity breaches can lead to financial loss and compromise sensitive data.

The rapid pace of technological advancement can result in a digital divide. Those who have access to the latest technology may have significant advantages over those who do not, creating disparities in opportunities and access to information.

To ensure that computers remain a blessing rather than a curse, it is crucial to strike a balance. This involves being mindful of our screen time and making an effort to engage in face-to-face interactions. It also means taking measures to protect our privacy and being vigilant about online security.

Efforts should be made to bridge the digital divide. Providing equal access to technology and digital literacy programs can help level the playing field and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from what computers have to offer.

In conclusion, computers have undeniably brought about a multitude of blessings, transforming the way we live, work, and connect with one another. However, it is important to acknowledge and address the potential downsides and concerns associated with their use.

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Blessing or curse? Self-diagnosis via social media

If you have an undetermined health problem, you see a doctor, who makes a diagnosis. At least that's how it used to be. Nowadays, in the age of social media, self-diagnosis - most notably of mental illnesses - has become common.

On platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, people report how they self-diagnosed, say, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism, which, to be clear, isn't a mental illness. Many describe their symptoms and tell their tale of suffering. Some encourage others to do the same.

Mental health issues have been discussed on social media for quite a while. Sufferers, among them influencers and celebrities with large audiences, upload videos in which they talk about their disorder. And psychologists and psychotherapists post content on their speciality.

Be it ADHD, autism, depression or something else, pertinent results pages will quickly pop up if you search for them online. A desultory swipe of your touchscreen can turn them up as well.

In the view of Berlin-based psychotherapist Umut Özdemir, who's also an author, lecturer and active on social media himself, it's a good thing that social media are helping to destigmatize mental illnesses among young people.

Sometimes they don't realize they may have a mental illness until they see something on social media.

"You've first got to become aware that you don't feel like most other people do, that what you thought was normal isn't normal at all," Özdemir says, noting that if you didn't suspect anything, you wouldn't make an appointment with a psychotherapist.

Take ADHD, for instance. According to Özdemir, statistics show that the number of ADHD diagnoses is rising. This isn't because the disorder has become more prevalent, he says, but because the symptoms have become more widely known: "People now have an opportunity to inform themselves" - via social media too.

A growing number of people come to his therapeutic practice suspecting they have a mental health condition. "This shows me they're asking the right questions and not dismissing the matter," says Özdemir, but emphasizes that a definitive diagnosis must be made by a specialist, and self-diagnoses are error-prone.

"For one thing, they're subjective. In addition, they typically lack professional expertise as regards a differential diagnosis," he says, referring to an enumeration of possible conditions that share the same symptoms.

So he's critical of people expecting special treatment from others on the basis of a supposition not backed by a professional medical assessment. "At worst, it could lead to the person resting on their supposition," he remarks.

Dr Burkhard Rodeck, secretary general of the German Society of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), also warns of the dangers of informing yourself about illnesses via social media.

While social media shouldn't be condemned wholesale as an information source, he argues, "there's often an absence of thorough research, and little distinction is made between fact and opinion."

Adolescents, in particular, don't have the experience to recognize the distinction, he says, adding that reliable information - for non-specialists too - is available from medical associations and in guidelines on illnesses.

Özdemir advises critically examining information sources as well. "Lots of people have simply jumped on the mental health bandwagon," he says. "Sometimes I have the impression that we live in a country where everyone's an expert on the psyche."

Rodeck points to another problem: "We all inform ourselves with a bias," he says, meaning we read what we want to read. "Our perception is always subjective," which is why he says the involvement of someone who's as neutral and expert as possible is important when it comes to a diagnosis.

"But before consulting a doctor or therapist, it's OK to gather information yourself, of course," he adds.

As demand for psychotherapy grows, however, securing therapy sessions can be challenging. Özdemir says that although it's relatively easy to get an appointment for an initial consultation - during which a tentative diagnosis can be made - the therapy itself usually requires a long wait.

If a child or adolescent is suffering badly from a presumed mental health condition, Rodeck advises the parents to speak with a paediatrician. This, he says, can often shorten the waiting period for a therapy spot.

But both he and Özdemir bemoan the dearth of treatment spots, a criticism often made on social media and a potential impetus for self-diagnosis.

Another inducement to give credence to accounts on social media from supposed fellow sufferers is that research and diagnostics frequently focus on particular cohorts. A typical example is ADHD, long thought to be almost exclusively a boys' problem. Now we know that girls with ADHD can display behaviours different from boys'.

"I find it understandable that minorities take each other more seriously when they compare notes," says Özdemir, but "fortunately a lot is happening in research and this weak spot is known."

Ultimately of importance after a self-diagnosis, he points out, is what happens next. "If you'd like or need therapy, you won't get around a diagnosis by a professional."

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