Here is a look into how social media has evolved to live up to its name
Picture for representational purpose
Celebrating World Social Media Day on June 30 may seem a bit futile, considering how active we all are already on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. But social media has evolved into much more than just about the likes, shares, follows, retweets and favourites. Here’s how it has impacted our lives in ways its creators never thought it would.
Longer arm of the law
T.K. Rana, SP, Cyber Crime said, “Social media has made it easier for us to track criminals.We get more information using social media. The Cyber Crime cell has a page on social media on which people can visit for information. They can also lodge complaints and those will be addressed as well. Social media has helped in making the police department more approachable to the people.” But there is a downside. Social media is often used to harass people by creating fake profiles.
“People must be careful of what they share on the social media platform,” he says. Swati Lakra, the head of the SHE teams in Hyderabad feels that social media has helped them to take prompt action. She says, “The police departments are now using the social media to their advantage. Cracking cases and getting information helps us to help people”.
Crowdsourced rescue missions
Priyanka Boska, an RJ for Red FM tried to help a 24-year-old educated woman who was forced to get married to a 38-year-old man. She posted it on Facebook. Soon we saw hundreds of people who tried to save her. People commented on the post and turned up to help her out. She says, “Social media has emerged from the last few years and lives up to its name. It’s no more a platform to meet your friends.”
Casting calls
Actress Sirisha Vanka was selected through the social media to be a part of the film Paathshala. She feels that had it not been for social media, she might not have landed this opportunity. “I was spotted on social media and then asked me to audition for them. Today the youth can showcase their talent using the social media. This would not have been possible earlier,” she says.
Cashing in on food
Food blogger Neidhi Kumaar, founder of the FoodDrifter website says, “It was a passion earlier. But now we earn through food brands who want their products reviewed by us because we have so many followers.” She adds, “Social media helps people to connect and read about products before they try it. It has evolved over the past few years”.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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