By: Satyavan Saurabh
Moral attitudes are attitudes that are based on our moral beliefs and can express our concept of right or wrong. They are stronger than moral principles. Since moral standards are not the same for everyone, they differ from person to person. The virtues of moral attitude include trust, reverence, goodness, truthfulness, etc. The positive implication of moral attitudes is that these attitudes are associated with strong emotions. Therefore, the fear of social exclusion prevents misbehaviour in normal societies. Such as child abuse and incest.
Social media communication focuses on community-based input, interaction, content-sharing, and collaboration. People use it to stay in touch and interact with friends, family, and different communities. 58.4% of the world’s population uses social media. Average daily usage is 2 hours 27 minutes. Social media has become a necessity in the areas of communication and self-expression of our modern society, but it is also a major hub for shocking content of all kinds – including porn and, at times, child abuse. Why is this on social media? Neither site seems to have developed a fully adequate moderation team.
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Social networking sites, which have taken home our hearts and minds, have forced people to forget real life and live in virtual life. It is true that due to the habit of social sites, there is a problem with personal communication among the youth, due to which they are not able to communicate effectively socially today. This is the reason why the moral ideals of our great men are getting diminished in the youth and a great lack of patience can be seen in the younger generation.
Social media can be used to positively reflect the moral outlook of the younger generation. Till now many issues are not recognized by society, depriving the weaker sections, who did not have the voice of their rights. Now social media like Facebook, coming to the light of society through YouTube, etc. The younger generation who do not know these issues get a clear voice on the issues. Such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights campaign, #MeToo – a social movement against sexual abuse and sexual harassment of women on Twitter, has encouraged youth to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and a positive ethic about women’s rights. Able to have perspective.
For decades, people have followed different ethical perspectives without knowing the reasons behind that ethical attitude. Social media brings forth a progressive society that is free from superstitions and irrational practices. Social media exposed irrational practices in Kalaburagi (Karnataka), where children are buried from ground to neck during a solar eclipse. Parents believe that by doing this the children will be free from skin diseases and will not be physically handicapped. There is a huge debate going on in this 21st century on the development and conservation and protection of the environment. Social media helps the younger generation to have a positive ethical attitude towards environmental issues. Example – Greta Thunberg, a climate activist used Instagram to spread her strike against government policies regarding climate change.
Soon youth around the world joined similar protests in their communities. His interviews with the media, in turn, produced more material about his movement. Social media can act as a tool for discussing many ethical issues through debate. Philosophers and subject experts can give their opinion about the issues present in society thus youth can get clarity on the right or wrong side of moral issues. It helps the youth to form a moral attitude. Several TV channels started debates on ethical issues such as nuclear proliferation issues versus Iran’s declaration of nuclear weapons.
Through these debates, a person who is against nuclear proliferation will raise his moral point of view on the issue. To promote tolerance among people towards differing views and opinions. People who use social media networks are more likely to be flexible and tolerant of other religious beliefs and practices. Social media often has a positive effect on young people’s motivation. Social media also allowed them to access the information they received.
Usually, family, and friends shape the moral outlook of youth. But many sections are deprived of this opportunity. For example, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are less likely to be online friends with family members and more likely to engage on social media sites.
Teens who are exposed to and take an interest in the news media are more likely to be interested in major social and political issues such as climate change. The media can encourage them to become more involved as citizens in their communities. Teens can also receive important health promotional messages from social media and other media. This may include messages aimed at preventing youth depression and suicide, promoting positive, respectful relationships, or encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
Good quality stories in television shows and movies can help teens explore aspects of identity such as sexuality, relationships, gender, or morality – for example, the treatment of sexuality in a film such as Bohemian Rhapsody, or Ride Like a Girl, a TV show like The Good Place in gender, or morality. Watching these shows with your child is a great opportunity for discussion. As a platform to show empathy and compassion. We just need to be aware of users and stay healthy.
Social media is a double-edged sword in the present times. The effects of digital technology on youth will shape adult behaviour and the behaviour of future societies. Tech giants like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs seriously controlled their children’s access to technology. The technologies have clear benefits and potentially harmful effects. The solution to the problem may also lie in avoiding excessive use of social media and making balanced use of it. (The author is a research scholar, poet, independent journalist, and columnist)
