Power of social media

QUETTA: The advent of social media revolutionised the way we communicate with one another. As more and more people entered the virtual sphere, online platforms started taking a life of their own. Now, with billions of users globally active, social media has transformed into much more than just a means of communication. Users have formed online communities through which global trends are started. These trends now shape our reality. The example of the MeToo movement shows how the trend completely altered existing perceptions regarding sexual harassment.

It becomes evident that these social platforms have enormous power because they give the common man the opportunity to raise their voice and fight for a cause — it fosters the idea of freedom and encourages dissent. Such tremendous power has become a cause for great concern for authorities, and governments around the world have started regulating the spread of information on social media. Many countries have even banned its use in order to suppress online communities. Without us even knowing, the authorities have a watchful eye on everyone in order to prevent any trouble from brewing.

Recently in Pakistan, there has been much contention about network disruptions of two popular social platforms, namely Twitter and Periscope. Activists and social organisations have urged the government to take notice of the situation but no one seems to know the actual cause. Many feel that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is responsible for this but there seems to be no evidence to prove such an accusation. Whatever the case, one must remember that it is important for such platforms to operate freely so that the people can openly express their views. Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that needs to be upheld at all costs.

Naseebullah Jan

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2020.

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