It is argued that social media networks have a positive impact on society, while others claim that they also bring certain drawbacks. Although I firmly believe that social platforms often incite hatred and mislead society, I also recognize the opportunities they provide to raise awareness of controversial issues such as climate change and domestic violence.
To begin with, in recent years social media networks have become increasingly saturated with misinformation that fuels hostility and misunderstanding among communities, and in some cases even provokes individuals to engage in unlawful activities. This can be explained by the wide range of easily accessible content such as videos, posts, and blogs, many of which contain fake news or encourage the violation of local laws. For example, harmful information can be found within just a few clicks on platforms like Telegram, which is often exploited by criminal organizations to coordinate illegal activities. Since governments cannot fully restrict such content without infringing on internationally recognized rights to free speech, criminals frequently operate under the cover of legality and face no serious consequences.
On the other hand, apart from spreading misinformation, social media also plays a crucial role in highlighting important public debates. It can serve as an effective tool to raise awareness and attract public attention to issues such as domestic violence and environmental protection. For instance, raising awareness of women’s rights violations in Kazakhstan encouraged many victims to speak out, particularly following the case of Saltanat Nukenova. As a result, public awareness of domestic violence has increased considerably, which has contributed to a decline in the rate of such crimes.
In conclusion, while the use of social networks can exacerbate problems associated with misinformation and access to harmful content, it simultaneously provides a platform to draw attention to socially significant issues. Therefore, governments should strive to strike a balance between limiting illegal activities and safeguarding the fundamental right to freedom of speech.