Social media refers to online platforms that allow users to create and share content, interact with others, and build communities. These platforms have revolutionized communication and information sharing, impacting various aspects of our lives.
Since last month, the number of visitors to my blog has increased abruptly from 200–250 to more than 2,000 per day, with 80–85% originating from China. After reviewing Google Analytics, it appears that AI crawlers, rather than hackers, are responsible for the rise. Nevertheless, I can’t help but question—are any of these visitors genuine readers?
We no longer live in the Information Age—we live in the Narrative Age, where stories, not statistics, define truth. From post-truth politics to Zohnerism’s sly manipulations, today’s reality is served like a dish—seasoned with emotion, simmered in belief, and shared across the grand kitchen of social media. The question isn’t just what’s true, but who’s cooking the story—and why?
The recent Kumbh Mela illustrates a troubling blend of faith and chaos. Traffic jams and incidents of vandalism overshadow the pilgrimage's spiritual essence, raising concerns about the event's transformation into a social media spectacle. Factors like FOMO and influencer culture contribute to the disorder, challenging traditional values. To preserve the gathering's sanctity, better crowd management, stricter enforcement, and a collective mindset change are essential for attendees to reflect true devotion in their actions.
Propaganda, defined as biased or misleading information employed to publicize a certain viewpoint, has transformed from being primarily used in times of war to becoming a prevalent issue in digital society today. It's frequently disseminated through news outlets, social media, and advertising, influencing thoughts and behaviors subtly and overtly. Modern propaganda techniques encompass memes and social media trends that engage public participation. To combat propaganda, it's crucial to foster critical thinking, fact-check information, promote media literacy, and consider diverse perspective, thereby creating a well-informed society.
The media, originally a vital democratic pillar, has deteriorated into sensationalism, prioritizing views over truth. This shift is evident in horrific coverage of tragedies, like the exploitation of vulnerable communities and the failure to provide stories of resilience. Journalism must refocus on compassionate communication, showcasing hope and recovery alongside despair.
A thoughtful conversation among old friends highlighted concerns about the rise of impatience and instant gratification in modern society, particularly impacting younger generations. The shift towards immediate rewards has undermined the value of patience, affecting personal growth, relationships, and professional success. The group acknowledged the importance of reintroducing patience and resilience into daily life, emphasizing mindful practices that celebrate long-term achievements while recognizing the benefits of instant access. True progress combines speed with depth and purpose.
Humour is the foundation of a cartoon and it is its limitation. Attempts to rationalise humour in terms of today's utilitarian social structure probably explain why political cartooning, and the genre of cartooning as a whole is a dying art. In a fast-paced environment such as the internet, memes emerged as a one-dimensional satirical illustration; they don’t engage with the issue and, therefore, their moral message and practical impact are limited.
The Internet, a vital resource, should remain open and free from corporate manipulation. Net neutrality is essential to prevent telecom companies from blocking or slowing down data for profit. To protect this, individuals are taking action by sending emails and signing petitions. Preserving net neutrality is crucial for maintaining free expression and innovation and ensuring universal access to the Internet.
Mother's Day is a global celebration honouring the role of mothers, often involving gifts and flowers. In Nigeria, the abduction of schoolgirls by Boko Haram has sparked global outrage. The #BringBackOurGirls campaign unites people in demanding the girls' rescue, highlighting the importance of education and the right of all children, especially girls, to be safe.
Social media platforms wield immense power as tools for communication and social change, enabling movements while also posing risks like misinformation and violence. Balancing freedom of expression with responsibility is vital, requiring collective action from users, governments, and industry leaders to harness their potential for positive impact and mitigate harm.
