Tell it to SunStar: Social media’s influence on our culture
After I gave short remarks about a particular person, my eldest son said, “Dad, you’re a bully.”
“Dad, you should be grateful for what you have because a lot of people have nothing,” my second son said.
“Don’t judge the book (by its) cover,” my little girl said in a tiny voice and funny sound.
Speechless of their reactions, I asked my wife, “Hon, where did the kids get these words?”
“From YouTube, Mr. Dhar Mann!” My wife instantly replied.
In awe and disbelief, I told myself what a strong influence social media is on kids.
Today, social media has a substantial influence on people, young and old alike. Social media has affected almost all individual activities. It highlights personal and professional human endeavors in information, technology, science, arts, entertainment, sports, education, business and politics.
Social media has also become a key to progress for new business enterprises but a threat to traditional businesses like mainstream media. Many people use gadgets and the internet to read news, information, and updates, instead of newspapers.
Social media’s mobility and reactive nature have gained more popularity than TV, radio and print. However, the typical downside is the abuse and misuse by some users for personal and business interests. The most common is spreading fake news and claims, fraud, and immoral activities, promotion of false beliefs, hatred and apathy.
Social media has a remarkable role in educating the young generation by providing the correct information, wholesome entertainment, promoting a legitimate cause, and important events.
Social media ethics and etiquette should be our daily guide to maintain a healthy and harmonious relationship with people in our community in this cyber age. Ethics is the concept of good, bad, right and wrong, while etiquette is a code of behavior within our society.
Social media should promote good values and maintain some ethical standards, which can contribute to the holistic development of an individual in society.
Parents play an essential role in the use of social media at home. They should regularly monitor or check from time to time what their children’s activities are online; if the children’s activity is commendable, keep it up. But their activities must be stopped if they are against society’s norms and standards.
Schools should also continue educating young people on the proper use of technology as a tool and instrument to help shape a better future.
Social media has become a part of our day-to-day activities at school, work and business. It revolutionizes mass communication dramatically. The advent of social media is the most significant discovery of our time; hence, if it is here to stay, it should help promote positive values, reinvent people and our way of life.