IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUTH
Introduction
Some people have more of a restricted view of social media, often equating it to mean the same as social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter etc. However social media goes beyond this and has much broader scope. It refers to websites and applications that enables users to create, share content, interact and to participate in social networking. In India the users of social media are increasing day by day as the networking infrastructure is growing fast at every corner of the country. Kashmir is not the exception for this as people in Kashmir are also too much affected by the use of social media. This platform to express and propagate own thoughts has been used by different intentions. This tool of social media whether it is beneficial or not is completely depend upon how it is being used by the users. It is a double edged sword which can be used for either human welfare or human destruction
Impact on Political Affairs
(a) Social media is being used as a tool for political campaigning and advertising. It is being used for policy implementation and monitoring as well as for enforcing transparency and accountability.
(b) Twitter and Facebook have emerged as a major forums for news. One post on social media can become major reason for any kind of conflict.
(c) Particularly in Kashmir there are many fake accounts have been created by haters of the government just to troll the government policies. The main motto of these users is to disturb the environment by propagating negative thoughts on social media. These kind of actions make people more confused and keep them away from the reality.
3. Impact On Terrorism
(a) Today we can find end numbers of websites, social media accounts which are controlled by the users from across the borders. Such account handlers write posts against local government, they influence people by sharing negative articles, edited photographs etc.
(b) They create negative environment against government, security forces on the social media. They influence youth to join them against the country. People get attracted towards them because of religious norms like Love Jihaad etc.
(c) Social media has become a major platform to recruit individuals for terrorist groups. It is being used to train individuals for terrorist activities.
4. Impact on Education
(a) Education in Jammu and Kashmir had suffered a major loss amidst COVID-19 and authorities were at loggerheads to bring back the derailed education on track. In 2020 when the schools had just opened in the valley after winter break the lockdown forced all institutions to stop activities indefinitely and adopt alternative methods of teaching and learning.
(b) In a such difficult time Social Media/Internet became a major helping hand for the education system. Online education has become important factor of learning.
5. Psychological and Health Problems
(a) Problem of social media addiction. Facebook addiction disorder; studies have found that social media usage triggers more sadness and less well-being.
(b) Problem of Fear of Missing Out. Continuous comparing our lives with others have been found to be mentally unhealthy.
6. Ways Ahead. The way forward must be to ensure
(a) Formulation and enforcement of Strict Privacy Law. The government should make a dedicated cyber security cell to curtailed the issues regarding cyber security. The pseudo social media handlers have to be punished under strict law enforcement.
(b) Government Authorities, Security Forces should increase their presence on social media to counter anti national elements. Maximum actions to be taken against pseudo social media handlers by the government.
(c) Awareness about Social Media. People should be aware about the genuine use of social media. Details of fake accounts, web sites has to be circulated to all. People should be educated about the cyber security, cyber law etc.
(d) Information Technology Infrastructure. Though we have developed number of applications for cyber security but still there is a scope of development in this sector. Latest security infrastructure is required to avoid misuses of social media.
Conclusion
The potential of social media is revolutionary. With increasing digital penetration and increasing development of application, social media rise is indispensable. Also, the values of social media like freedom, transparency, openness etc are innate to human being, part of their social being. Now it is our responsibility that how wisely we can use this tool for the development of the nation.
