While social media facilitates unprecedented connectivity and self-expression, it can also widen social crevices and fractures. In this context, examine the impact of social media on Indian society.

Social media is a form of mass & decentralized communication that has multiple effects on Indian society. Examples include Facebook, 'X' (Twitter).

Positive Impacts:

[Facilitate Unprecedented Connectivity]

(i) Instant Communication: Deplore diffluence in space & region through Facebook messages

(ii) Foley Social Cohesion: Greater connectivity facilitates stronger social bonds

[Facilitate Self Expression]

(i) Allow users to express thoughts, beliefs, and ideas (E.g 'X' / Twitter)

(ii) Create platforms for exchange of ideas

Negative Impacts:

[Widen Social Crevice (Fracture)]

(i) Use by unscrupulous elements to create social tension (E.g Communal violence in NUH)

Impact of Social Media on Indian Society

I. Positive Impacts:

(i) Democratic Decentralization: All dialogues where all can give & receive opinion (Eg. Twitter)

(ii) Empowerment: of society due to information sharing & awareness of rights (Eg. #MetToo Movement)

(iii) Reduced Corruption: in society like govt office, private companies (Eg. Snowden Whistleblown on privacy)

(iv) Pillared Self Expression: Help in encapsulation of women & amelioration of condition of marginalized section. (Eg. Dalit channel on WhatsApp)

(v) Promoted Fraternity: of social ties by prompt dialogue met in peoples. Eg. Debate on religion in 'X' by sporting others' beliefs.

II. Negative Impacts:

(i) Hardening Caste Terror: due to spreading norm of purity & pollution, caste based violence on Twitter.

(ii) Digital Divide: creating exclusionary platform where all not heard on even muted (Only 29.5% women digitally literate)

(iii) Communalization: due to communal groups' "echo chamber"

Way Forward:

[Social Media Use Dilemma]

Conclusion: Social media is a doubled edged sword & must be laid to enable self expression & clarity & reduce caste tension (XXXL Summit)