Amelia Strazdins
How do you get your news? In 2023, the answers received expand well past the seven o’clock news or the newspaper. For many, social media platforms, informational accounts or trending topics, even TikTok, are all forms of media people utilise to receive their news and stay informed in this ever-changing, fast-paced world. This evolving form of media is undoubtedly beneficial in a manner of different ways, allowing a level of connectiveness and conversation that has and continues to be, crucial to how we interact and how media develops both domestically and globally. However, this level of access and ability to share does have detrimental impacts, specifically on our understanding and conceptualisation of complex issues. Make no mistake, social media has allowed for the further freedom of speech and expression and continues to foster increased awareness of important social issues. Nevertheless, issues continue to arise surrounding misinformation and desensitisation. It seems dystopian that we live in a world where one post on a feed is about foreign conflicts and human rights crises and the next a shopping advertisement or comedic video. Together, desensitisation towards such issues paired with misinformation creates a destructive duo.
Looking at today’s social, political and global climate there is so many differing sources, perspectives and information surrounding such complex issues. With so many sources and individuals sharing their personal opinions online, it can be difficult in certain circumstances to ascertain what is fact, what is an opinion and what is false. Recent conversations regarding these issues can centre around the platforms themselves and whether they are contributing enough to preventing the spread of misinformation. Whilst these platforms and companies certainly hold a responsibility to ensure the spread of misinformation is minimised, education and awareness regarding the topic is equally important. Understanding general media bias is crucial in determining how businesses, bias and billionaires impact the stories and perspectives portrayed and shared by the media. Applying the same skills and critical thinking to social media is of equal, if not more, importance. However, unlike news channels and newspapers, distinguishing external impacting factors and misinformation remains increasing difficult. As AI (artificial intelligence) continues to progress and the world becomes even further entwined, we have to ask whether we are doing enough to support internet illiteracy and education surrounding social media. Until this point, many of us have not grown up with social media or the accessibility to online sources that the future generations will have access to. Thus, we must question whether we are properly equipping not only ourselves but also our next generations with the tools to navigate social media and their ability to conceptualise complex issues without solely relying on a singular source.
Social media is so crucial in raising awareness and understanding about intricate, multifaceted social, political and worldly issues. It allows for conversation, debate and education. It can also create hate, misinformation and misunderstanding. We must remember the benefits of these platforms, whilst understanding the important perspectives alternative sources also provide. We must remain critical and not complacent.