How do I feel? What is my opinion? Where do I stand? What should I do?
Questions that pop up mostly in situations where a definitive response or action is required on our part. Questions we used to ask ourselves probably half-a-dozen times a day a few years back and nearly a couple-of-dozen times a day these days (thanks to social networking). Social networking has radically transformed the whole process of forming public opinion. It often puts us in the spot, forcing us to have and express an opinion on pretty much any issue that any of the 1 in 500 of your "friends" has brought up for discussion.
One is pressured to use one of the many endorsement mechanisms such as retweet, like, comment, share and make his or her views public. Failure to contribute through any one of the aforementioned "endorsement" mechanisms is often construed as lack of empathy or even worse opposition. "Honest off-the-bat truthful and raw feelings", "continuously evolving opinions in response to greater exposure (and, hence, knowledge) over time", "a conscious decision to participate or stay out of the discussion", "a worthwhile tangible contribution to an issue" are unacceptable responses to the aforementioned questions anymore.
Personalities on social networks are carefully constructed avatars, sans the quintessentially human imperfections and vulnerabilities. People always seem so sure of themselves in their online avatars. However, when faced with a social issue, what is apparent is the lack of an analytical thought process and a thorough assessment of the issue (answering the 4 questions). Rather, what stands out is the need for a feeling of belonging, for not feeling left out (or lagging behind), for not coming across as unempathetic. I would like to restrict my observation to my Indian friends on social media.
Social media can be an effective catalyst for social change. However, it is often mistaken for the solution in India. Given the number of issues prevalent in this world (first, second, or third) and the overdose of social media rage, there have been very few instances when social media has actually made a difference - Arab spring, UK uncut, marriage equality campaign, Occupy <*> movement. India-specific campaigns, however, failed to gain traction - India against corruption, legislation against sexual violence, government censorship. In our desperate need for conformance did we miss the whole point almost every single time? Do we just like the idea of change or do we want real change? Do we really believe that a profile picture, a shared image, a fiery status message, a tweet/retweet, or an endorsement does any good for any cause that we are for? Do we do it just to get the satisfaction of having announced our presence and intentions or of having made a contribution?
Social responsibility does not end with endorsements and online rage. One solution will not fit all the problems facing Indians and the Indian society. Sometimes real change starts from within. Sometime real education starts at home.
Social media can be an effective catalyst for social change. However, it is often mistaken for the solution in India. Given the number of issues prevalent in this world (first, second, or third) and the overdose of social media rage, there have been very few instances when social media has actually made a difference - Arab spring, UK uncut, marriage equality campaign, Occupy <*> movement. India-specific campaigns, however, failed to gain traction - India against corruption, legislation against sexual violence, government censorship. In our desperate need for conformance did we miss the whole point almost every single time? Do we just like the idea of change or do we want real change? Do we really believe that a profile picture, a shared image, a fiery status message, a tweet/retweet, or an endorsement does any good for any cause that we are for? Do we do it just to get the satisfaction of having announced our presence and intentions or of having made a contribution?
Social responsibility does not end with endorsements and online rage. One solution will not fit all the problems facing Indians and the Indian society. Sometimes real change starts from within. Sometime real education starts at home.
