Social Media: Janus of Modern Times

There is no denying the fact that man is a social being and social media has become a very potent platform for interaction and information. However we have become “tool of our tool”.

Users of social media rather those who have become threatened by its absence in their lives; if we observe them microscopically, we will discern that they face a crisis of identity. Approval of fellow addicts of whats app , facebook etc…, a clapping emoji, laughter emoji, ‘LIKES’ makes them feel as if they are Newton, Shakespeare, Einstein. They crack absurd, unhealthy, unpalatable  jokes, and not to forget our favorite Tic Tok videos is their idea of wit and humour.

Every activity from bedroom cuddling, taking a cab, being in a restaurant or relationship status, boarding a flight is posted on social media religiously as if it is one of the Ten Commandments. Selfies have ripped many a budding lives.

Worst come worst, there is trolling and comments on every iconic figure, eye catching observations which can be abusive on a fairly unknown starlet’s dress, make up or break up. It is sad, well known personalities stoop to respond to trolls and give explanations and create more controversy to be in the lime light.

Do these activities define an intelligent, industrious, mature responsible person?

We have lost our individuality, we follow the “trend”. We have no time to sit back, reflect, ponder on some worthwhile issues. We have yet to discover a healthy way to relax. In fact we are scared to peep within ourselves into the abyss we have become. We feel safe, secure and comfortable to move in herd like sheep. We show no human traits. Even if we do charity, help a blind cross the road or feed the needy, next moment it is posted on social media. Approval of users matters more than appreciation of God.

Our creativity be it painting, writing poem, story all depends on the ‘LIKES’ of public. Even publishers won’t entertain you on the intrinsic value of your work but ‘likes’ make them take you seriously. It is understandable that masses approve you, but unfortunately many back door tricks and fraudulent ways are adopted to amass ‘LIKES’.

I sometimes in a naughty mood wonder if Galileo, Newton or Shakespeare or other great artist or philosopher had lived in the times of social media what would be the scenario? 

Newton’s observation of apple falling to the ground would be trolled massively, his ‘gravity’ would have thrown him off the ground.

Galileo would have been trolled for his heliocentric theory; church may have dropped charges of heresy but social media would have forced him to suicide.

Einstein may have received ‘LIKES’; treated relatively better for his Theory of Relativity as no one actually understood it.

Shakespeare would be at the mercy of masses approval (LIKES) before penning the next line.

Well all said and done there is no denying the fact that we cannot thrive without social media. It is the umbilical cord that connects us to the world. Every sphere of our life has been impacted by social media and has prospered. Businesses both nationally and internationally have progressed in leaps and bounds, digital marketing has taken it to next level, we have become global citizens. Every event, inventions, discoveries, researches, showcasing young talents is now possible with blink of an eye on social media. Even the worst critic of social media will have to grudgingly admit that it is necessary for progress of mankind.

Its greatest achievement is rich or poor, literate or illiterate, old or young, child or grown up, even people in their 80’s are brought on the same platform coz of social media. What government have failed to achieve, small steps of social media has produced greater results.

Social media is like Alladin’s lamp in our hand and Genie at our command. We can enjoy its fruits and bask in its glory or stop Cyber crime. Social Media is the brain child of technology. It is boon for the people, by the people and of the people. It is a single unifying factor that unites the people of the world and give equal opportunity and voice to everyone.