Social Media to become a puppet in hands of Few?

Nowadays the whole society has turned into a fallacy where the distinction between false news and true news has diminished, thanks to social Media.Currently, many people believe that the news circulated on the social media is true but the opposite might be true in some cases.

The circulation of fake news has increased because some persons are utilising social media for their selfish reasons.A recent survey has reveal that top politicians, businessman, sports personalities have systematically developed plans to exploit the social media and change the public discourse in their favor.

The survey was conducted by Freedom House and collected data about top 65 countries in the world and revealed that top 30 countries are reporting false news to gain political gains during elections,to turn public discourse in favorable to them.

The report has also exposed the methodology used by these countries such as hiring freelancers and commentators to propagate the views in favor of a leader, block the negative comments and criticism by applying content filters, using Virtual networks and creating strong layers of security.

The report results assume significance because currently the allegations that Russia has interfered in USA Presidential elections by changing the public discourse in favor of Donald Trump via social media is being probed. The paradise papers which were released last week also exposed the links of politicians having invested in Facebook and Twitter the major social media platforms.

However, the survey shows that India is far better in granting online freedom and doesn't resort to censorship in some areas but exercises its right to prohibit contents which deal with national interest and public safety.

Many social reformers and experts have cautioned and said that the following trend is dangerous and the public must stand up and choose the news and not just simply follow the news.