On Social Media

(Part 2 of 2)

The politics of social media

Social media is a potent political tool. It is an instrument to reach out to the awareness of people and to develop in them a clearer sense of nationhood. The Arab Spring is a vital example of this power and how by means of social media, how the people can successfully topple some abusive regimes. Knowing the danger it can bring to vested political interests, powerful states like China, censor social media and prohibit certain sites for fear of inciting rebellion against the ruling party.

There are no clear democratic ground rules for cyber-space. By means of blogs, tweets and posts, people from different walks of life can launch attacks against powerful political and showbiz personalities. Scandals become viral and these affect the mindset of people and can change overnight the fortunes of any powerful person.

What is lacking in social media, however, is that it is something that is only available to the middle class. The lower part of society has not much of an access to the internet. Thus, issues concerning equality, social justice and human rights do not reach the grassroots or the masses that are most of the time the vulnerable victims of inequality and socio-cultural hegemony.

The way forward

It is important to realize that modernity requires the embrace of novelty, scientific innovation, pluralism, toleration, and greater freedom. The formation of the youth then requires a clearer understanding of the above. Amartya Sen has argued that freedom is both a value on its own and a means to an end. In this regard, online social media is also a means for people to be able to reach out to others and connect with loved ones. Social engagement, in this sense, becomes effective by promoting certain advocacies online.

Another aspect to this is the necessity of transparency. Democracy can only thrive in a transparent environment. Abuses by corrupt and cunning politicians can be limited with a conscientious civil society online. While those in the marginal sectors of society do not have the means to access the internet, what it demands really is to find ways and means so that the internet becomes available to them. The vast information available online regarding health issues, scientific breakthroughs, political discussions, and others make the internet a vital tool in securing the greater welfare of the people.