Social Media.

“Social media allows us to behave in ways that we are hardwired for in the first place - as humans. We can get frank recommendations from other humans instead of from faceless companies.” 

― Francois Gossieaux, The Hyper-Social Organization: Eclipse Your Competition by Leveraging Social Media

Facebook Check in : At Pizza-Hut, E-City"  #Lunch #hungry #Pizza

Twitter  : The Pizza is delicious. #hungryForMore #Lunch #somethingLooksDelicious

Instagram : *Posts a selfie of myself and a slice of awesomely looking Pizza*. #pizza #anyone #instaEdit #selfieWithPizza

Twitter : 3 more slices remaining. Anyone? Then, it's just me. Great. #pizzzzzza #Morepizza

Twitter : 1 more slice. Last chance, anyone? No. Thank you. #Pizza #pizzaHut 

Twitter : India is so going to Win. #IndVsAfg #WorldCup2015 #Cricket 

Twitter : Time to get back to work. :( #officeSucks 

Instagram : *Posts a sad face selfie* Going back to work. #Work #office #officeSucks #selfie #noFilter #instaShare #htcOne #htcOnography

- We, the people (most of us), today

Life happened to us. We have accustomed ourselves to evolve and learn things as they go. We have been constant learners and called ourselves dreamers. We did dream big and made it a reality. One such thing that has been constantly evolving with us is the technology and the life surrounding the very technology. As of today we are completely dependent on it and we just can't make a day pass by without it. Starting with waking up in the morning, we are dependent on technology. It has influenced us in so many ways and has become a part of our lives. Before we know it, we have become a part of it rather than, it becoming a part of ours, be it smart phones or the world wide web. And in the process, social networking happened, as a intermediary of technology which changed a lot of things around. When I say changed a lot of things, it is not just one field, but almost every field we can possible think of.

2007

I took a first step into Social Networking - Orkut. Though, I urged with my mom over the Yahoo Answers website which I felt was cool (mostly because of the funny jokes, or perhaps the stupidity), where strangers would answers to our questions and the vice versa. I really didn't understand the concept of Social Networking at that point of time. I found it as a medium to connect with friends. I have been a migrant for a long part of my life and have been to many places. So, in the process I have managed to make a few friends while others remained acquaintances. But the joy and the fun in connecting with them is difficult to put in words, mostly when you realize that they still remember you, like you remember them.

2008

Facebook happened. It was complicated to understand in the beginning, but it became easy and the process continued. Adding friends and increase the friends count became a preliminary task of having an account social network. I had never understood why we used to boast about the huge number of Friends in our Friends List. I feel stupid now. But then it, Facebook managed to impress many other people and managed to take the top spot in the social networking category and now Orkut is dead, literally.

2009

In the beginning of this year, I introduced myself to the field of blogging. I started a blog, then a few more, deleted those few more and started writing in the one I started off with. It was then I came across Twitter - a micro blog (with 140 characters restriction). That's what I used to call it and tell my friends about it, sometimes urged them to join it. But still till this very day, I rarely have any of the people I knew back in the school and college. They have been busy, with the other life. I started "micro- blogging" because not everytime I was able to write big big essays and call them intellectual knowledge sharing, which was read by just me. But let's not speculate.

2010

I got a touch phone. Wow, right? Yeah, I felt awesome, but the dream of having of having a iPhone was too far reaching even at that time. So, as I was experimenting with all the possible available applications and everything that was available (for free), I came across a free internet based messaging platform - Whatsapp. What was that? I had questioned it for rather too long as there was no one on it (none of my friends) and wondered if anyone would ever use it. And just look at today. We just love to hear that Whatsapp notification sound, on which we just have to check it out even if we are hanging on the bus with one hand holding while the remaining body in the air.

The following years had more of experimenting with the Internet and placing my name everywhere on the Internet. (Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking. Now, it is just impossible to undo). Anyhow, life continued and slowly the social media (Facebook, Twitter, every other thing) became a part of our lives. And before we know it, we became a part of it. When I say we became a part of it, I mean we have come to a stage where we can't stay without it. Now, we  can't resist ourselves from using it every once in a while (or perhaps more frequently)

Social Media on Mobile Vs Web : How has it impacted my life?

Like I mentioned earlier, I have been associated with Blogging for quite some time now and I have managed to be a part of that community where people indulge in writing and sharing our views. It is similar to what we to on Facebook and Twitter, but on a larger scale. When I say larger scale, I mean not just the audience, but the content that is put up. Yes, the audience is small and that's where Social Media comes into play. The social networks are audience oriented and have a large people base from different countries. So, where else to reach the maximum people than these sites, be it Facebook or Twitter, it has always provided a platform to showcase. Now, it is just not the idea / thought / opinion which is put up in the blog, but almost every other thing. And mind you, anything we do, the whole whole is watching. We have come to this limelight sitting in front of our laptops or holding our smartphones. We express ourselves on a social level, with people watching us. The impact of Social media is huge, if considered. But then it depends on what we are considering.

Getting back.

I have had the privilege of travelling to different parts of the country, call it the work requirement which my dad had to fulfill. So, along these migrations from one place to place, I came across a lot many people, some of whom became good friends like I mentioned earlier. The social network not only helped in reaching them, but also continue that long lost friendship.

Sharing.

I have managed to create two Facebook pages. Along with blogging, I have been able to hone my "creative" skills into photography. And the social platform has helped me in spreading the word and let the whole world know how I see the world, be it the words (I put up in the blog) or the pictures (which I put up in the Facebook Page).

Reminders.

I am the laziest person that the world might have ever seen. To point out, I don't even know my dad's number, because long press one in the mobile is much easier than trying to remember a 10 digit number. So, when in the morning a notification from the Facebook urges you to wish a friend since its their birthday today, it helps in a way for people like me.

To put it in simple words, Social media has brought the world, friends and family into a  common place or a single device, helping me to interact and to be a part of it.

Then again if I speak about just one person( me), I might not be able to speak about the actual impact it has caused. I am (just) a  part of the social network and there is a role that we, each one us play in it. The word social is self explanatory in that aspect. 

Reach.

Social networking is a wide spread phenomenon involving all wakes of life. Be it a 6 year old or a 60 year old, everybody these days are connected to the social media. We can interact with people from different places, know about them, talk to them,  know about them. And in the process, inspire, get inspired, preach, learn, share, and the list goes on. At a single touch of a button on our smart phones, we are in company with a million other people. 

Marketing. 

If one is looking to expand their business, the social media is the right target. Channelling the right resources and products, advertising and meeting the customer's expectation is a way of marketing to expand the business. It could be widespread and since the customer base is large, one can get a guarantee of the investments made.

Impact.

The wide spread reach and a million other people being a part of it have found a way to influence and inspire people. It may be a little thing, perhaps a good gesture from a person, or a community, the social media has managed to put that in the front line. Not everything hits the news and not everything is appreciated by us. But on a larger scale, these little things are remembered if not by many, at least by a few.

One may be adding "#hashtags" to the events that are happening around, but once it reaches the people, all are united to stand as one for the betterment of the people. Campaigns, social movements,  social meetings, forums, whatnot; everything at the touch of a hand. There are many instances where the people on the social media have helped others, influence people, urged to make a difference, started campaigns to spread the message and have been successful in reaching and achieving their objectives. People keep a track of almost everything that is happening in the social network and when the cause is genuine, every other person lends a hand to help. Some may not be ground-breaking, but they do have the potential to bring about a change in a way while some have the capability of uniting people for a specific (read: just) cause.

Social media is updating itself and we can see a lot of things that will happen in the near future. If you ask whether social media is a boon or a bane? Mostly, it has done more good than otherwise. Perhaps, it is us who have the potential to make the right choice and take it forward.

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“I am participating in the #SMWBangalore activity at BlogAdda in association with Social Media Week Bangalore“.

Wake Up.

I wake up each day to the morning beautiful sunshine but I find myself in the middle of a everything where there seems to no humanity, no peace. The last month of the previous year has been horrifying and it shook the very roots of the whole nation. Nation, you say? And the whole wide world too. The Rape of a 23 year girl has vandalized the humane nature of the people. Where does that come from? The thinking? Who is/are to be be blamed?

Darwin's theory suggests the transformation of an ape to a social animal called Human Being. But it doesn't suggest the man becoming cruel exploiting other people. Will they be called humans? Where is it written? Where is the origin of the thought, that being cruel? Does the Bible, Bagvadh Gita, Quran etc etc say anything about people becoming inhumane, forgetting human values, behaving like pigs/morons. I don't think so. But then how are these people's minds getting drowned in such cruelty?

When a Person can't tolerate a little remark on their personality/or whatever it is that we could tell about a person, the person's ego gets hurt. So, just imagine the plight of those victims who are suffering the pain caused by some ruthless people. When you are waking up each morning and enjoying the morning breakfast and getting ready for work, somewhere on the other part of the country some person is ashamed to come out of the house because she was raped/humiliated. When you sleep happily at night hoping for a better tomorrow, somewhere else some person cries to sleep hoping for a better tomorrow. Is it that we don't care about what other people are doing to this world/this society/this country? No. We care, but not that much. We care enough to talk about it. We care enough to write about it. But when it comes to doing, we don't. Because it is none of our business. Right? Unless someone in our family suffers the same horror. 

Who is to be Blamed? 

An alarming question, it is. Whom can we blame? Lets' start with the creator - GOD. God created humans, and somewhere down the road, people lost their humanity/the good nature and the result is today's world. It is so easy to just sit in front of a Laptop stroking the keys and blaming each other for the crimes and the rising inhumanity in the society. 

The Questionnaire(TQ) : What about the politicians, the leaders of the country ? 

AK (Me/My Alter Ego/Conscious) : Right! Blame them. For the heinous remarks that they gave against the recent national outrage. But let me ask you something. Who are these so called leaders? Aren't those the people who promised a better change to the society ?   Some idiot says that the dress provoked the men. Some other says its' the western influence. Some brainless maniac says Victim should have surrendered. Are you out of your mind ? Aren't those the people you elected? So ask yourself first. We Call our country the largest democracy in the world. Seriously, I am Ashamed. When we can't respect a individual for what they are, I am sorry to say but they don't deserve to be called humans and part of the society. And we call those people the leaders of the country who would transform the nation. Yeah, surely they would transform. From rags to riches making the poorer suffer. From being sane to insanity. But I don't think they could be blamed or not !

TQ : The Western Influence ? The Transforming Indian women? The Dress? 

AK : You are not being serious. The British ruled over us for over a century. And as united we overpowered them. Nothing was wrong then. Let me ask you something. What clothes do you wear? Have you ever worn a traditional Indian Dress? When you can wear a western dress , then what's wrong with women wearing one? It has nothing to do with the western influence. Look at me for instance. I am a bit influenced. So, that doesn't make me do heinous crimes. It is all the human perception of whats' good and what's bad. People have just lost their mind. And blame who ever comes in the middle. And Does our Constitution promote inequality ? Or Racism ? No, Right. Then what's wrong with women working? What's wrong with women working late? Come on people, Grow up. Is it that hard to respect a women? Is it that hard to shut up your mouth rather than  promoting vague ideas and insulting remarks on the opposite gender.

TQ  : The Media? 

AK : Now there is this media. With its Tehalka and other sting operations, it has to spread the news as fast as they can. For TRP ratings, of course. For money, of course. But can media be blamed? I don't know. Every morning I wake up to find some more rape cases in the other parts of the country. Media is doing its part. But most of the times it gets out of hand. It exaggerates everything way too much without thinking the feelings of the other people. Journalist, they say have to be bold and should ask straight-forward questions which no matter personal or not, Media doesn't care. "I just want answers!" and if some one refuses to say, they take it in the whole other way and just exploit the very roots. Its good or Bad? I don't know. I can't say. It is for each one of to answer for ourselves. 

TQ : The Police ? 

AK : Police is just another scapegoat. No! Not a scapegoat. It is somewhat responsible. I myself find over alert when I see a Policeman. I don't know. But even though, I haven't done anything, but still I do. But does this Police take care of us? HELL NO. Does it exploit us in every possible way it can? Hell Yeah. Policeman fighting over jurisdiction, the corrupt money changing hands below the tables. What is this ? The Star of our Nation. The Protectors of the Country. And we respect them. There are soldiers dying protecting the country and these policemen feel the same but what do they do - Thinking that they Protect the nation by corrupting and literally doing nothing. Are they to be blamed? Yeah, I think to most extent. But that's not all.

TQ : The Society ? The People ? The Culprits ? 

AK : The Culprits of course. As I mentioned earlier that I have to wake up to the morning to more rape cases. I mean Come on! The whole nation is outraged and protesting against the very cause and in some other part of the country , wait in Delhi as well, the cases never cease to decrease. Each day, I find myself pained with at least 3-4 minimum cases. What the Hell is wrong with these people? As I write this, I feel totally ashamed due to the helplessness and inability to do anything to stop. But those people, those culprits - "Do you even think ?", I ask. That is a 4 year old girl for God's sake; and even less. She doesn't even know how to speak. How could you ? Are you even Human ? And that is your daughter for heaven's sake. What are you? Is it that hard to respect an Individual ? Is it that hard to be HUMAN ? 

Why do they keep on doing that instead of so many protests, so many reforms, so many steps taken. Is it this society ? The court, which takes eternity to solve a simple case ? The police who are negligent enough to care the least. What is wrong with these people? 

TQ : You ? Us ? Me ? 

AK : I am afraid but have to agree with that. Yes. I am to be blamed. I am a part of the society. I vote for the people to rule over me. Practically, I/we am/are to blame. What am I doing? I am writing pages and pages of posts regarding the incident like most other people sitting at the liberty of my room. And that's it. What am I contributing to the nation? What good am I doing blabbering what the Media has already exploited to its roots. Where do I stand in this society? What am I?  And this thinking makes me sad and I feel ashamed about it. 

The society has changed the normal thinking of an individual. The people have changed, some got even more cruel. I wish there was a specific person to be blamed but, then we all are those specific people. I, We, and everybody is to blame. Just not a single entity, but we as a whole. But this has to change. We, being united can achieve anything. We, as one can break barriers. We are the largest democracy in the world. Lets just Wake up to Reality and GROW up, as a Nation Fighting for all the causes which hinders the normal person's life. Whatever the evil the man has created for himself, lets just kill it, destroy it before it lays any more eggs. Change is what we need and I am afraid to say, it has to be done from Scratch. So, lets put our hands together for a better cause, for a better tomorrow, for a peaceful nation, where fear has no meaning, where women are free and not afraid, where we prosper as a nation as one. 

P.S. I have tried my best not to use slang(s) but if you find them, my apologies and please ignore.

Disclaimer: And this is totally my opinion and anyone referred is purely unintentional.  

This post is part of the contest Who is to be blamed? on WriteUpCafe.com