In the contemporary era, the utilization of social networking platforms is steadily increasing. These platforms facilitate rapid communication with individuals across the globe, thus making them an essential aspect of modern life. While they offer advantages such as real-time interaction and socialization, they also present drawbacks such as time wastage and dissemination of misinformation.
Primarily, the excessive usage of social networking websites leads to a significant loss of time for individuals. It is widely acknowledged that the extensive scrolling through Instagram or Facebook by today’s youth detracts from their productivity and academic focus. Consequently, their creative abilities are gradually diminishing, thereby impeding societal progress. For instance, a study conducted in South Korea revealed a decline in the IQ levels of youths from 190 in the 1990s to 110 in 2020, indicative of a dearth of intellectual individuals in our society. Moreover, prolonged screen exposure adversely affects individuals’ physical health and often results in the neglect of regular exercise.
Furthermore, the lack of robust security measures on these platforms predisposes them to the circulation of false information. An illustrative case is the dissemination of fake news during the 2015 elections in Nepal, where an opposition party spread misinformation about the then Home Minister, Mr. Rabi Lamichhane, influencing the election outcomes. Consequently, the unchecked spread of falsehoods on social networking sites can exacerbate chaos during critical events such as pandemics, conflicts, and elections.
In conclusion, while social media can be advantageous if used judiciously, there is a pressing need to mitigate the potential threats they pose to society. It is imperative for individuals to exercise discretion in their usage of these platforms to ensure that they do not undermine societal well-being.