Social Media can both impact a community, the world, or even itself.
In this case, Maria Ressa a 58-year-old is pending a cyber libel case. In the interview, she expresses how social media companies are a big role when it comes to spreading the news. Ressa was concerned about the misinformation of her country the Philippines during the presidential election and how the algorithm of the American companies will mislead the world with incorrect information.
Yes, she is the CEO of Rappler and now is pending for the 6 years given for the cyber libel. Being a journalist is having the chance to discover the truth, spread the word about misleading information and what is going on in the world that many do not see. I do think that social media no matter where you are it can affect you very quickly and it can be for a good or bad cause. Ressa states how “It is more dangerous, it requires more sacrifices, just to do what journalists have always done.”
And social media simply can mislead people about political information but now in days, Instagram is another platform that many use for posting perfect pictures making their audience think they have no problems and nice skin, perfect body with no stretch marks, and numerous ways women or even men have no flaws when in reality there is another truth.
Social media has both its ups and downs, just depends on how its audience manages it.
Very thorough and thoughtful response Caroline. You do a good job pointing out Ressa’s concern for Social Media and its negative effects. I think you should explore your last point a little more, however: “Social media has both its ups and downs, just depends on how its audience manages it”
An excellent OpEd would be to discuss what our (the users) role really is when handling social media. Is it up to us to determine useful and/or fake news?
Another point to consider though: young people may not be fully equipped to handle the negative criticism that is so prevalent on social media. Should there be different rules to protect them (vs. adults)?