Dr AsangbaTzudir
Social media revolutionized communication, providing a space where people could share ideas while also connecting people thereby creating a social community online. However, the same platform has become a breeding ground for negativity, hostility, and hatred, and users often do not realise its power and end up misusing where a single post turns comment sections into arenas of conflict and hatred instead of dialogue.
From ones own comfort zone and from hidden identities, negative comments on social media flocks up. And what simply appears on the screen may not do any harm to the screen and therefore harmless. But they have a corrosive impact on individuals and communities. A hate post can spread faster, and which fosters an environment of bitterness. What starts as one person’s timepass post or an angry outburst becomes an invitation for others to echo the same tone. More so, certain derogatory terms are used without really knowning its content and context. It spells venom leading to hatred gaining momentum, and social media platforms echo the voices of intolerance.
The real danger lies not in the flocking of hate comments, but the consequences extends beyond the virtual world leading to increased polarization in societies thereby fueling divisions along social, political, religious, ethnic, cultural and tribal lines. In this age where we are a witness to the shift from Emotional Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence, it is the young people, in particular, that are vulnerable. In this fast paced world, life is a race and many suffer from anxiety and depression and often a casual post has the power to inject lifelong scars on a person’s psyche.
While social media cannot be stopped or censored, one should be mindful of the fact that “Freedom of speech and expression” which is a pillar of democracy does not mean license to express freely to cause destruction. It rather calls for users to exercise utmost responsibility to build, to uplift, and to respect the dignity of others.
Hatred and jealousy breeds only destruction. The world is ‘restless’ and in need to peace. The ongoing conflicts between nations; tensions, violence and bitterness within communities, and the social media hate wars are not going to resolve the human condition. Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela had the courage to chose love, peace, and forgiveness even in the face of hatred.
In today’s digital age, where there is a shift from emotional to artificial intelligence, the message to give love and peace a chance is an urgent necessity. A little shift in our perspectives, our thinking and attitude can easily make social media into a space of healing rather than hatred. A kind comment, an empathetic reply can change the course of a heated debate. Silence as a form of resistance can be powerful.
On the whole, government must strengthen digital literacy and enforce safeguards against online abuse. Most importantly, users must reclaim the positive power through social media ‘etiquette.’ The comment you post online is more than a fleeting thought. It represents a brick in the structure of our collective future. Why should we build a wall of hatred than a peaceful sanctuary. Its time to embrace the Ubuntu.
(Dr AsangbaTzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
