Q.20) Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of the impact on Indian society. (15 marks, 250 w)
Introduction
With 820 million users of internet (TRAI, 2023), Indian society is subject to be influenced by digital technologies with large share of social media.
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Main Body
Snapshot of Means of Social Media: YouTube, Twitter (X), Instagram, Telegram. Positive side of social media on Indian society: (1) Mass Mobilization - shape opinion, diversify voice of people. (b) Rural influence, # Digital digi, # Tribal lives matter. (2) Democratic political systems - (a) used by ECI to guide voter behaviour, # everyone matters campaign. (3) Gender Inclusivity - (b) Campaign by digital channels like 'She the people TV' - all eye on Kolkata - during west Bengal KG broadcasts. (b) provide employment, new forms of jobs - job creation, video editor, influencer, content creators. (5) social mobility of opinion - (a) during farm protest, Hartal case. (b) Access to education - YouTube channels for preparation of exams, CUT, NEET - Bijj, Khan group etc. (However there are concerns too). (1) Misinformation, fake news - propaganda - during COVID (vaccine fears).
Conclusion
Indian society must train itself in maturity in handling the double edged sword of social media. IT Act, Data protection Act, cyber policing, act as legal safeguards with this.
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Diagram
Snapshot showing Means of Social Media branching to: YouTube, Twitter (X), Instagram, Telegram
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DIVYA
Governance, Transparency, Accountability and E-governance
E-governance
Impact of social media on Indian society
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analytical
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