Do you agree with the view that social media is a 'double edged sword'? Discuss in the context of its impact on Indian society.

Social media appears to be the network & multiplex medium of information dissemination, information reception and information analysis. (Social Media features: real time, fast, wide reach, constant updates, cheap) Social Media as Double Edged Sword - wrt Indian socty A) Pros:

opinion happened because of wide access. - eg India Against Corruption, Fame on facebook - rep Instagram promoting talented individuals from vulnerable sections (2) Tool for collective mobilisation: - rep Gachbowli protests in Telangana against dykes/salt (3) Cheap access to information: - rep News (4) Forged Communities: - rep includes communist in joint video calls. - rep formation of friends. Cons Flaws up communal tensions: - rep fake news, Delhi riots (2) Used to exacerbate inequality: - rep Digital divide (urban-rural), young-old, male-female, inter-state (3) Sets artificial standards of happiness, well being & wealth - causes psychological harm & relative deprivation (4) Cyber crimes & fake product sold on intakes (5) Cyber frauds

— Suvan Sharma · AIR 148