By now, it’s become crystal clear – the Internet like much of the world is in a state of flux.
But there is one thing that sounds perennial about the digital debate – our search for a delicate balance between the potential and perils of the web is likely to stay forever.
The social media platforms continue to evolve with much broader implications, and in many ways have become among the most persuasive avenues for individuals, communities and societies to exchange ideas and do business.
A latest Pew Research study reveals how social media users in the emerging economies face similar dilemmas. Many users cherish new ideas for advancement in life but also have to contend with false and misleading content.
So, where do we stand in our quest for a semblance of balance between benefits of using the Internet and protecting our privacy?
The Arab Spring and the #MeToo movements represent the shine of the Internet as does the rise of the small businesses and startups at so many places around the world. At the community level, people have been able to rally around causes that matter them the most.
The boon that the Internet promises for businesses is simply astronomical.
On the other hand, the dark side of the web is a source of confusion, friction and chaos.
The self-proclaimed killer’s use of the Facebook to live cast his massacre at New Zealand mosques and the Indian vigilante groups’ misuse of WhatsApp raise ever new concerns. Several militant groups like ISIS have long been using the Internet to spread their nihilistic narratives in the Middle East and beyond.
Besides, search engines are always invasive, to be on the lookout for key words that may benefit advertisers. An example what unauthorized things could happen to the social media users’ data came to light when Cambridge Analytica skimmed away data from Facebook or the other way around FB gave it to Analytica.
Add to this the Russia interference in 2016 elections. On a bigger scale the thought of the unforeseen Internet-caused ramifications of local and international cyberthefts, cybercrimes and cyberattacks many leaders, policymakers and national security institutions get sleepless nights.
Going forward, to me the Internet seems to be a new fact of life, much more so when it comes to the use of smart phones. Who would not like to have the world in the palm of their hands? The four crucial issues facing us would be interlinked – democracy, privacy, commerce and national security.
very interesting…