In today’s day and age, technological advancements have radically changed the way we live our lives, affecting our very lifestyles. Social media is one such parasite which the internet has brought to our lives; connectivity and communication has lured us into their usage. The question I want to raise today is that of privacy, especially on social media platforms.

So what exactly is the social media? By definition  they are computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, career interests and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks.To put this in simpler words, it simply is a platform wherein one has the liberty to share information regarding their lifestyle and activities so as to create a network. In such a structure, it is very likely that the content that has been shared by you is misused by other individuals and can have repercussions of all sorts. Cyber crime laws and other measures have been provided so as to ensure your well-being, however, isn’t it our priority to safeguard ourselves? To further illustrate my point, let’s state an example. Laws and regulations have been established to ensure our well beings on the road. But ultimately, it is our responsibility when behind the wheel as to prevent any mishap from occurring.

Shouldn’t the same apply to when it comes to the content that one shares on this platform? We as individuals do have the discretion to screen out, validate and filter out the content that is being shared on the platform? If further violation of this filtered content occurs, there are rules and regulations to handle the situation. But as the saying goes, isn’t prevention better than cure? Privacy, freedom of speech and the right to know are a trio of expressions, linked together by an invisible string. Guaranteeing one or more of these results in the deprivation of the other/s, thereby making the entire matter all too delicate.  

The discretion of validating the information that is shared on the social media is in your hands and thus self-regulation is one of the ways via which you can safeguard your interests. This doesn’t mean that you use the social media any less; it is a great means of sharing information and intellectual content.

The social media and in general the internet, has increased connectivity by many folds, affecting our lives in ways we could not even imagine previously. It is self discretion as to whether this can be used as a whetstone to sharpen your intellect or a cause of stress and burden.

Do check out the following TEDx talks, thereby extending the discussion and more food for thought!