Editorial | Social Media – Handle with Care!

We have a mistaken perception of control because we not only create but also consume information in our society. Given the fact that we currently live in echo chambers and filter bubbles on social media, our experiences are determined by virtual reality. Social media is merely a tool that, in the wrong hands, may easily accomplish just as much good as ill.  On a daily basis, 2.04 billion users log onto Facebook, 6,000 tweets are sent on average every second on Twitter, and over 95 million pictures and videos are uploaded on Instagram on a daily basis. Fake news is an industry today and finds great resonance with people. Its rise corresponds with a growing distrust in the mainstream media. Fake news has now even slipped into traditional media outlets and is often circulated by prominent individuals. This has contributed to the echo chamber phenomenon. People look for news that fits their viewpoint and seek out “educated” perspectives through filters from only the people they trust. People develop strict ideas about certain subjects as a result of this. The qualities of transparency, concealment, and anonymity that formerly strengthened marginalised populations are now allowing malicious intentions to flourish. Nevertheless blaming social media alone for all wrongdoing doesn’t seem to have any logical justification. Social media has a lot to offer and has great potential to inform people, encourage civic engagement, and mobilise the community. However, there are numerous societal effects and few simple fixes. While social media undoubtedly faces the worldwide difficulties of information overload (both real and fraudulent), it also gives communities a voice and access to their rights. We need to learn to take greater ownership of the information they share, and social media sites will reclaim their lost credibility over time.