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Evil side of social media
The latest news from Bangladesh after recent demonstrations which took lives of scores of people is that students are back on the streets demanding resignation from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid for the killing of those Bangalis. However, this time around Sheikh Hasina has banned all social media platforms sighting another big chaos coming her way.
Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, Twitter, You Tube etc., which are used widely in Bangladesh and helped greatly in first wave of demonstrations have been banned with immediate effect. Social media had its part to play in getting demands accepted in the first wave.
However, there is another aspect of social media which is its evil side and which results in needless destruction and chaos…the fake news propaganda. Pakistan has suffered hugely because of fake news in the recent past. PTI, being the torch bearer of social media activism in this country, has always relied heavily on generation and spreading of fake news.
The kind of propaganda that Army and particularly the current Army Chief General Asim Munir has faced from PTI’s keyboard warriors has hurt Pakistan a lot not just domestically but also internationally. The fake news propaganda has taken Pakistan to the edge of falling apart.
This evil side of social media activism has to be taken care of one way or the other. Just a handful of PTI’s You Tubers have damaged Pakistan big time with their false propagandas against Army Chief just to please Imran Khan and benefit his stance. Time to take stern steps to eradicate or at least minimize its affects.
NAEEM TAHIR SHEIKH.
Lahore
Great exodus
It is insane to think that the current president of Zimbabwe and his ZANU PF government can transform the fortune of the country .Zimbabwe, a nation once heralded for its potential and promise, is currently facing a significant brain drain. Professionals across various sectors are leaving the country in search of better opportunities overseas. This trend is not just a fleeting phase but a growing concern that could have long-term implications for the nation’s economic and social fabric.
Zimbabwe has been grappling with hyperinflation, a declining currency and a high unemployment rate for years. These economic challenges make it difficult for professionals to secure well-paying jobs and maintain a decent standard of living. The political landscape in Zimbabwe has been marked by turbulence and unpredictability. Frequent changes in government policies and corruption have eroded trust in the system, leading many to seek stability elsewhere. The exodus of Zimbabwean professionals seeking greener pastures overseas is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes.
While the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. By addressing the economic, political, and social factors driving this trend, Zimbabwe can begin to stem the tide and retain its talented workforce. This will be crucial for the nation’s long-term development and prosperity.
President Mnangangwa and his incompetent ZANU PF government has created an uninhabitable country which has forced so many Zimbabweans to cross rivers with crocodiles into South Africa. This insane leader who has caused neighbouring countries to become over swamped with Zimbabweans should be removed urgently.
TAPIWA MPOFU
United Kingdom
Save respect, save society!
Whatever happened with Uzma Bukhari is a totally disgraceful act by some social media users. Before what happened, derogatory remarks were made about the personal life of Bushra BB. I also condemned that and stood there for a woman. We live in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, where our women have huge respect, and in this country, if shameful propaganda is made for our women, what will remain of our respect? Otherwise, we are living in a “so-called respectable” society for women.
I personally feel Uzma Bukhari is a strong woman, and she can deal with it strongly. People should take care of personal sentiments because politicians are human; they have their personal lives. You can criticise their work, their leadership, and their professional lives. But you should be careful that she’s a woman; she’s also someone’s daughter, sister, wife, or mother.
So, before dragging someone’s life down, first think about this, especially social media, which has played an important role in ruining the positive atmosphere. Uzma Bukhari, you are a strong woman and a true person. Whatever little respect is left for women in the community, save it.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Box letter
Social media effects on kids
Social media platforms, such as TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube, are widely used by children, even those under 8. The increasing engagement of young children with these platforms raises concerns about their impact on behaviour and development. Exposure to various online activities and videos can profoundly influence young minds, often leading to negative outcomes. Children, who lack the maturity to fully understand these influences, might engage in inappropriate or illegal activities. This distraction can reduce their focus on education and harm their academic performance. Parents play a crucial role in mitigating these risks but often remain unaware of their children’s online activities or fail to intervene. Smartphones, commonly provided by parents, facilitate access to social media. Therefore, both parents and the government need to take action. Promoting awareness and encouraging parents to monitor their children’s online behaviour is essential for protecting their well-being.
DAWOOD SIDDIQUE
Askani
