Social Media: The world’s platform

 The modern world has seen the zenith of technology. From a computer the size of a small fish pond with its CPU, mouse and many extra tedious gadgets, the world has come to an era of small, compact and sleek devices. 

One of the most major developments of this era has been the increased usage of social media. In it’s early years, social media was a privilege. One simply couldn’t afford it if not necessary.

However, with changing times and the 21st century, text messages, calls and taking pictures morphed into snapchat, facetime and Instagram. This privilege is now an open accessory to all. 
In today’s world, no day goes by without most people at least using two social media platforms.

These virtual networks have become our sanctums of expression. Social media was initially used to spread what is important, but what circulates on the internet now lacks credibility for most. This open-ended world of sharing ‘thoughts’ has also attracted an era of hypersensitivity. 

While positive, inspiring and important messages are conveyed from time to time, these handles are usually misused and what’s left behind is a debris of hurtful words. 

The 30th of June is celebrated as World Social Media Day. As part of this world, social media has become an essential tool in all of our lives. Just like the two sides of a coin, while social media has made the world a global village and our lives easier, it has also made us vulnerable to the world and its predators. 

The key people that rule these platforms are the influencers. They hold a crucial position and go way beyond ‘vacation or food pictures’. These influencers have the power to influence the masses. 

What they say matters. If positive, they’re celebrated and if negative, they’re heavily criticised. The brutality of these networks is that sometimes, there is no room for an apology. 
But for most of it, social media networks are an eminent form of functioning for us. While we celebrate this day on our favourite handles, we should also remember the weight of our words.

Arshita Agarwal

She is a 21-year-old graphic designer and 3D artist by profession and entrepreneur by heart. Her brand ‘The Swing Set Store’ was literally given life with the help of social media  

Q: Your take on social media?

Social media like we know it, is making the world smaller by the day which is a huge boost to artists and entrepreneurs like myself. It's not only a great place to showcase our work but also excellent to connect with likeminded people from the same industry.

Q: Has social media helped you grow? 

I've literally built my entire brand on social media, so yes! Social media (especially Instagram) has been the biggest building block for Swing Set. A huge chunk of our clients come from Instagram.

Q: Do you think social media has the power to attract negativity or influence people in the wrong direction?

Well, this is highly situational. Entirely depends on how and for what purpose you use social media. In today's age and time, which place does not attract negativity? It's all about being alert and aware and knowing when to avoid what. 

Focus on the positive, stay inspired by the great artistic communities of Instagram and negativity won't touch you. But if you let curiosity take the better part of your judgement, you'll definitely be influenced by the negative and steer in the wrong direction.

Follow her on Instagram:@theswingsetstore

Prabhav Kashyap Godavarthy 

His area of interest is photography. He believes and tries his best to keep his pictures unique, in terms of shooting and editing styles that helps him stand out from the rest of the crowd. 

Q: Your take on social media?

Let me tell you, it’s very hard to gain attention, but the small audience I’ve gathered helped me unleash my potential. By receiving regular feedback on posts, and receiving messages to try something new, I’d give social media (especially Instagram) credit for making me a better photographer over the last couple of years. 

And by being a better photographer and having a better gallery, more people tend to like your work and follow you. Hence, it’s a two-way contribution.

Q: Has social media helped you grow? 

For the most part, yes. Taking pictures and sharing them has never been easier, thanks to social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. You’re a click away from discovering your potential passion or career which initially started out as a hobby. 

By simply posting pictures, to tagging popular photography accounts, I’ve tried various ways to gain attention on my profile. 

Q: Do you think social media has the power to attract negativity or influence people in the wrong direction?

Social media can make a massive impact, when used correctly. Anything from sharing art to spreading altruistic ideas, to doing anything to make the world a better place, is possible with social media. 

So, I do believe it’s a necessity rather than a luxury in the modern day, when used right.

Follow him on Instagram:@prabhavkashyapg 

Tanusha Bajaj 

She is a storyteller and she make content around fashion, lifestyle and travel. Words are her superpower to change the world.

Q: Your take on social media?

I love the fact that social media exists because it’s so much more organic and real. If used right, there is so much to learn from people through this medium.

Q: Has social media helped you grow? 

It definitely has helped me grow because it’s an easier way to find people you can work with and to form a community where you can all learn and grow together.

Q: Do you think social media has the power to attract negativity or influence people in the wrong direction?

It has its pros and cons and it entirely depends on how one uses it. While it makes the world a smaller place, it eliminates the concept of personal space.

Follow her on Instagram:@tanushabajaj

Pallab De

He has been blogging for a decade and a half now. Started in 2004, soon after moved into tech blogging and was an Editor for one of India’s largest tech blogs for several years. After finishing his engineering, he joined an American firm as a developer.  

He stepped into the world of food blogging with hydfoodguy.com in 2014.

Q: Your take on social media?

Social media has had numerous tangible positive impacts on society. From raising awareness about social and political issues to people coming together to help those in need, there are countless examples. 

Social Media has enabled little-known writers, singers, dancers, and others to become overnight celebrities. On the other hand, it has humanised celebrities by making them more approachable. 

Yet, there are also downsides. Fake news and cyber-bullying are two major issues that all social networks are still grappling with. Social media is also slowly changing the very fabric of society. We’re more connected online than ever before, but we also have less privacy than a decade before.

Q: Has social media helped you grow? 

A decade ago, bloggers were entirely reliant on search engines to increase their reach. Google singlehandedly accounted for over eighty percent of my blog’s page views. Social Media has provided bloggers like me new avenues to reach out to new people and craft an audience. 

While Google Search is still crucial, many publications now craft their content to gain traction on Facebook and Twitter. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have also fuelled the rise of Influencers. 

I’ve many followers who don’t read my blog, but they view my Insta Stories or read my Facebook posts.

Q: Do you think social media has the power to attract negativity or influence people in the wrong direction?

Social media is just a tool. It’s up to us to determine how to use the tool. Face to face interactions tend to foster empathy. 

The anonymity and sense of detachment offered by social media has given rise to keyboard warriors. The same person who is a loving parent or a helpful neighbour might be a vile rabble rouser online. 

I strongly believe that the net impact of social media on society is positive. But, at the same time more work has to be done to neutralise some of its negatives.

Follow him on Instagram:@hydfoodguy

Rithvik Thammareddy

He is a 16-year-old basketball player based in Hyderabad and has represented our state in the Under 16 categories at the youth national games.

Q: Your take on social media?

Social media has helped me gain exposure to the basketball universe and has given me a platform to showcase my craft.

Q: Has social media helped you grow? 

It helps me meet others who are into sports and creates a community of potential people working together.

Q: Do you think social media has the power to attract negativity or influence people in the wrong direction?

I do believe social media can be used as a negative instrument to give people wrong ideas. It has the power to influence people and change their opinion. 

I have on the opposite hand, used it as a tool to showcase my craft and gain exposure.

Follow him on Instagram:@rthammareddy11