Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.

Social Media is a platform that allows for creation and sharing of user generated content. Benefit of social media: (1) Provide voice to most vulnerable in society (eg # Me Too, # Roads Right Medley) (2) Generates awareness on issue (Eg # Jai Bheem, for DALIT ignorance on Twitter) (3) Collective & influence economy (4) Ensuring accountability of people (Eg say no do corruption heard on Instagram) Issues: (1) Digital Divide (19 MAT) - 28% Rural users, 69% Urban users (2) Echo chambers on social media - Amplify hate, bias & prejudices (3) Discrimination against vulnerable section (Eg sharing Deepfake of women) (4) e-Mental Health Issue (Eg Suicidal yadav Affair due to bullying on social media) (5) Anonymity, Nature & RobFact - Violation of dignity and personal integrity of people

Issues: (1) Digital Divide - 28% Rural users, 69% Urban users (2) Echo chambers on social media - Amplify hate, bias & prejudices (3) Discrimination against vulnerable section (Eg sharing Deepfake of women) (4) e-Mental Health Issue (Eg Suicidal yadav Affair due to bullying on social media) (5) Anonymity, Nature & RobFact - Violation of dignity and personal integrity of people (6) Real Time dissemination of information (Eg During operation Sindoor) (7) Misinformation & Disinformation on social media (Eg - Campaign by Pakistan during op.Sindoor) (8) Amplify social divides due to fetish building on social media (9) Micro-Targeting and surveillance capitalism - Violates privacy of individual (Article 21) Way forward: (1) Due Diligence by OM platform (2) Fact checking of info (By PIB FCU) (3) Risk Based Regulation

Way forward: (1) Due Diligence by OM platform (2) Fact checking of info (By PIB FCU) (3) Risk Based Regulation We people need to follow "cyber hygiene" principle to not let social media turn into "Killer brand".