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Social Media and Indian Youth
In today’s world, social media has become social media on Indian youth is the rise
an essential part of our daily lives. With the of cyberbullying. According to a study
advent of smartphones and affordable conducted by Microsoft in 2020, 53% of Indian
data plans, social media has become more teens reported experiencing cyberbullying.
accessible than ever before. The Indian youth Moreover, social media has also led to the
has embraced social media with open arms. spread of fake news and misinformation.
In this article, we will explore the impact of During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media
social media on Indian youth, both positive platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook were
and negative. India is one of the largest users used to spread fake news about the virus,
of social media in the world. As of 2021, India leading to panic and confusion.
has over 450 million social media users, with
an estimated 77% of the country’s internet To address the negative impact of social
population using social media platforms. media on Indian youth, there is a need for
The most popular social media platforms in social media education. Young people need
India are Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, to be educated about the potential dangers
and TikTok. The rise of social media in India of social media, such as cyberbullying and
can be attributed to several factors. fake news. They also need to be taught
Firstly, the widespread availability of how to use social media responsibly and
smartphones and affordable data plans how to spot fake news and misinformation.
has made it easier for people to access Moreover, social media companies need to
social media. Additionally, social media take responsibility for the content on their
has become a means of socializing and platforms. They need to invest in better
staying connected with friends and family, moderation and content filtering to ensure
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. that their platforms are safe for young
Social media has had a profound impact people to use.
on Indian youth. It has provided a platform In conclusion, social media has had a
for young people to express themselves profound impact on Indian youth. It has
and connect with like-minded individuals. provided a platform for young people to
Social media has also created new career express themselves and connect with
opportunities, especially in fields like social others. However, social media is not without
media marketing and content creation. its downsides. The rise of cyberbullying and
Moreover, social media the spread of fake news
has played a significant are significant challenges
role in bringing about that need to be addressed.
social change in India. By educating young
It has become a tool people about the potential
for activism, and young dangers of social media
people have used social and investing in better
media to raise awareness moderation and content
about issues like women’s filtering, we can make
rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and social media a safer and
environmentalism. more positive space for
However, social media is Indian youth to use.
not without its downsides.
One of the most significant
negative impacts of Sanjana Dhole
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