Citizens believe that news consumption through social media platforms is on the rise. This essay argues that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. It will first explain that news coverage through social media can often be fake and manipulative, followed by an analysis of how the primary benefit of spreading news quickly is not as valid as it seems.
Many people argue that the anonymity provided by social media networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, allows anyone to post content without having to prove its accuracy. Anyone can create an account on these platforms and share any information, but the authenticity of that news is not always verified. A recent survey conducted by Oxford University concluded that news circulated on social media is often falsified to gain more views and likes. Social media accounts that are perceived as authentic are frequently controlled by governments, political parties, or businesses, which means their news can be inherently manipulative. These controlling entities can shape the news in a way that benefits them, often bending public opinion to suit their agendas. For instance, news presented by Kantipur Television, a popular channel in Nepal, tends to favor the Congress party and consistently supports it in various scenarios.
Opponents of this view argue that information spreads rapidly within the online community, allowing updates to reach a vast audience in an instant. However, this speed can also lead to significant problems, particularly if a false narrative is being circulated about an individual. For example, during the recent Olympic Games in Italy, a boxer from Algeria was falsely accused of being male, and this rumor spread worldwide almost immediately. Although the accusation was later proven to be false, the damage was already done, causing distress to the athlete.
In conclusion, the prevalence of fake news ultimately leads to the manipulation of individual opinions, which clearly outweighs the flawed argument that the speed of information dissemination is a significant advantage.
