Consider how far web services such as Twitter and Facebook are a force for harmony or discord.

Model Essay

Social media has become ubiquitous in our daily lives, and its impact on society is undeniable. Web services such as Twitter and Facebook have revolutionized the way we connect with others, share information, and express ourselves. However, as with any technological innovation, social media has both positive and negative effects on social harmony and discord. This essay will explore how far web services such as Twitter and Facebook are a force for harmony or discord, by examining their impact on society, specific examples of positive and negative effects, and ways to mitigate their negative effects.

On the positive side, web services such as Twitter and Facebook have the potential to promote social harmony in several ways. Firstly, they connect people across the globe in ways that were previously impossible. People from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries can now communicate and share ideas in real-time, breaking down geographical and cultural barriers. Social media also allows people to connect with others who share similar interests, hobbies, or beliefs, creating communities of like-minded individuals. These communities can foster empathy, understanding, and cooperation, leading to social harmony.

For example, The Ice Bucket Challenge phenomenon, which originated from a single post on Facebook in 2014, spread like wildfire across the globe, raising awareness of the ALS disease, inspiring millions to donate to research efforts, and promoting a sense of unity and global cooperation. The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, which started as a Twitter campaign in response to police brutality against African Americans in the United States, has become a powerful movement for racial justice and equality, bringing people of different races and backgrounds together in support of a common cause.

Furthermore, social media has become a powerful tool for social activism and change. Individuals and groups can use social media to raise awareness of social issues, mobilize supporters, and influence public opinion. Social movements such as the Arab Spring and Me Too have used social media to organize mass protests and hold those in power accountable for their actions. This has paved the way for a more democratic and participatory society, where people can engage in public discourse and voice their opinions.

However, web services such as Twitter and Facebook can also have negative effects on social harmony and can exacerbate social discord. The same features that make social media a powerful tool for positive change can also be used to spread hateful and divisive messages, false information, and propaganda. Social media algorithms are designed to promote engagement by showing users content that confirms their biases and beliefs, leading to group polarization, echo chambers, and the spread of disinformation.

For example, In 2018, Facebook was used as a platform to spread fake news regarding the Rohingya genocide, leading to the violence and persecution of the Rohingya people in Myanmar. Additionally, during the 2016 US presidential election, Twitter was used by foreign entities to influence public opinion by spreading propaganda to polarize voters. Hate speech, trolling, and cyberbullying are also rampant on social media, which can lead to hatred, mistrust, and discord.

As with any technology, it is important to understand the impact of social media on society so that we can mitigate its negative effects and maximize its positive potential. The rest of the essay will explore specific examples of Twitter and Facebook’s impact on social harmony and discord, and ways to mitigate their negative effects.

To mitigate the negative effects of web services on social discord, several efforts can be made. Firstly, education plays a crucial role in promoting digital literacy, media literacy, and cyber etiquette. Digital literacy helps individuals navigate the complex world of social media by empowering them to use technology effectively and responsibly. Media literacy teaches individuals to evaluate media messages critically, discerning between credible and fake sources. Cyber etiquette encourages respectful and civil discourse online, promoting positive social interactions and minimizing trolling and cyberbullying.

Moreover, social media companies need to implement policies and regulations to prevent the spread of harmful content. For example, Facebook has pledged to combat fake news by partnering with third-party fact-checkers and removing fake accounts and pages. Twitter has recently introduced new policies to combat hate speech and has removed accounts that violate their terms of service. Such measures promote transparency and accountability, ensuring that social media platforms safeguard public discourse and promote social harmony.

Furthermore, individuals and organizations should encourage critical thinking and civil discourse on social media. We can challenge our biases by exposing ourselves to diverse perspectives and engaging with people whose opinions differ from ours. We can also promote civil discourse by engaging in respectful conversations, practicing active listening, and avoiding name-calling and personal attacks. Social media can be an inclusive and positive space for social interactions if individuals use it responsibly and respectfully.

In conclusion, web services such as Twitter and Facebook can be a force for harmony or discord, depending on how they are used and the context in which they are used. The power and impact of social media on society are undeniable. While they can promote social harmony, they can exacerbate social division and discord. By balancing the positive with the negative and taking active measures to promote responsible use, we can harness the potential of social media to create a harmonious and civil digital world. Ultimately, a collaborative effort involving individuals, organizations, and governments is needed to promote responsible use, protect public discourse, and safeguard social harmony.