While this topic is not new, but in the light of recent concerns on privacy on some social media platforms, it is necessary to write about it again.
As we have discussed, many things on such platforms are useful, and some are not; while others may be downright dangerous and harmful.
These may adversely affect personal relationships between friends and family and I can say from experience, this has happened because of ignorance, difference in educational levels and age etc. It is, therefore, essential one must choose carefully who members on such groups are.
I have always called, and still am, calling to properly vet news that we get on social media and make sure it’s authentic and credible. It is well-known that incorrect information has a magical effect on people and everyone is excited by malicious, inciting and inaccurate rumours that serve vested interests.
But on the other hand, we receive amazing and useful information to understand and increase our knowledge and our culture. Sadly, however, most of us are not interested in such information and look for exciting, spicy stuff.
Social media in its entirety is an important – and dangerous – media tool and its influence is strong. That is why it’s necessary not to rush into forming or joining groups except after making sure of the antecedents of its members and even reviewing them after a while to see if they are useful. There is also no harm in you apologising to the group administrator if you do not wish to continue being part of one and explaining the reasons for your exit. Let us get used to high-class and honest discussions.
What I have written is corroborated by what has been going on in the US over the last few days, where the soon to be former President Donald Trump egged on his supporters with proclamations on social media that the election had been “stolen” from him and that the inauguration of the new President should be stalled.
Donald Trump had tens of millions of followers on social media and we all saw the kind of effect his proclamations had on them – as thousands marched on to the US Capitol and wreaked havoc there in their attempt to overturn the result of the elections. Sadly, of course, there were casualties as well and five people died. Totally unnecessary. Those shocking images shocked the world and made a mockery of American democracy.
The social media platforms in question here have all now taken the bold decision to suspend the President’s accounts because of the risk of further incitement to violence – a first for any head of state.
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