The Power and Perils of Facebook in Modern Society
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Nowadays,
Facebook is widely used as a fantastic platform for networking, entertainment,
and online business that has a significant influence on people's lives,
society, the nation, and the entire world. Initially, individuals around the
globe used GeoCities (1994) and Globe.com (1995) as social media platforms. In
this vein, Facebook started its journey as social media on February 4, 2004.
Mark Elliot Zuckerberg had no notion Facebook would become so successful when
it set out on its journey.
Despite the existence of numerous social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, Facebook remains the most widely used social media platform in the world. Over 2.9 billion people worldwide currently use Facebook, while approximately 1.21 billion individuals use Instagram. Similarly, only 368 million people use Twitter, whereas approximately 1 billion people use LinkedIn (Statista, 2024). The statistic clearly demonstrates people's attraction to and attention in using Facebook.
Most individuals use Facebook as a means of business, communication, and entertainment due to the relatively simple and cost-free process of creating an account. Additionally, there are numerous positive aspects of Facebook, including its ability to connect individuals within the shortest period of time against social unrest, corruption, and inconsistencies. In the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it offers a flexible platform for entertainment, providing a wide range of material that attracts people worldwide.
In particular, Facebook is a crucial tool for businesses, enabling marketing, consumer involvement, and e-commerce. Users who actively rally support for causes, generate awareness about social concerns, and spearhead community activities contribute positively to social welfare. Interconnectivity has significantly improved individuals' ability to sustain connections regardless of geographical and cultural barriers. Facebook remains a crucial platform that integrates and shapes the evolving technological environment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Regrettably, a significant portion of the general population lacks awareness about the proper usage of Facebook. In particular, they seem to have poor awareness of the moral and ethical aspects of using Facebook. Furthermore, a significant portion of Facebook users possess little understanding of cybersecurity, information hacking, cyberbullying, and even crimes, resulting in significant negative consequences for their social lives.
Most individuals do not feel compelled to verify their information before sharing it, even though Facebook acts as a watchdog for society. Rumors persistently circulate across our society, nation, and global community, highlighting numerous concerns. From this standpoint, the question arises: exactly who is accountable for the dissemination of such rumors on Facebook? And who is concerned about the existence of such rumors? The answer is straightforward- users.
At present, approximately 55.6 million individuals in Bangladesh use Facebook, making up 30.89% of the country's total population (Statista, 2024). A significant proportion of them are the country's younger generation. It is undeniable that the utilization of the Internet, Facebook, and other IT tools is a significant indicator of digitalization. However, do we follow ethical standards, norms, and values when maximizing the potential benefits of the Internet and Facebook?
Action Aid Bangladesh (2022) found that approximately 64% of women have experienced online harassment and violence while using Facebook at some point in their lives. In particular, Bangladesh is currently facing a significant threat and concern as a result of the widespread dissemination of rumors via Facebook. Another survey revealed that approximately 2,500 Facebook pages have been flagged by the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) cyber section for disseminating inflammatory material and inciting communal hatred in Bangladesh.
In particular, Facebook postings have sparked several recorded violent incidents in Bangladesh in recent years, including the killing of Abrar Fahad incident (allegedly targeted because of a Facebook post he made criticizing the government's agreement with India on water sharing and other issues), the Ramu incident (a series of communal attacks that took place in the Ramu Upazila of Cox's Bazar District in Bangladesh which was sparked by a Facebook post allegedly defaming the Quran, which was purportedly posted by a local Buddhist youth), the Nasirnagar incident (a Facebook post by a Hindu fisherman allegedly insulting Islam led to attacks on Hindu temples and homes in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria which resulted in the vandalism of at least 15 temples and over 100 homes, displacing many families and causing significant property damage), the Comilla incident (a viral Facebook post showing a copy of the Quran placed at the feet of a Hindu deity during Durga Puja in Cumilla led to violent clashes that resulted in several deaths and injuries, as well as significant damage to property, including Hindu temples and homes), Rangpur incident (a Facebook post by a Hindu man allegedly defaming Prophet Muhammad triggered an attack on the Hindu community in Thakurpara village, Rangpur which led to the destruction of numerous homes and the death of one person due to police firing), etc.
Similarly, several acts of violence encouraged via Facebook occur every day in different parts of the country. These events often result from deceptive or provocative postings that incite community conflict. Moreover, the inability to properly track and identify counterfeit Facebook users has led to a widespread occurrence of fraudulent activities using the application of Facebook in Bangladesh.
According
to the law of social media, any complaint that is received must be investigated
and acted upon. But in most cases, social media platforms do not investigate
the submitted complaints and taking action. From this standpoint, the
government should effectively regulate social media platforms to prevent the
dissemination of rumors and cybercrimes, as these platforms fail to
address these issues despite the government's complaints.
The Digital Security Act of Bangladesh (2018) has drawn criticism for its sweeping and ambiguous provisions, despite being passed to control online content, prevent the spread of rumors, and combat cybercrimes, false news, and hate speech. The absence of accountability and transparency in the implementation of the Bangladeshi Digital Security Act presents another difficulty.
Therefore, there are no alternatives to increasing users' awareness while using Facebook, particularly in terms of information sharing. Furthermore, the government should mandate primary education in Internet technology (IT) to counteract the unanticipated dangers of social media platforms like Facebook.
In addition, to address the issues raised by improper use of Facebook and reduce the spread of rumors, the government should establish cybersecurity education, bolster the enforcement of the Digital Security Act, develop systems for better identifying counterfeit Facebook users, impose strict penalties for the creation and use of fake accounts, create safe reporting mechanisms for victims, and encourage ethical standards and values among social media users.
Simultaneously, we should improve users' understanding of cybersecurity risks, the safety and security of personal information, and the actions of hackers, enabling us to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of Facebook usage and understand its potential consequences.
The writer is a researcher and an Assistant Professor, at the Department of Public Administration and Governance Studies, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh. Email: tanjilahmedtaj@gmail.com To read the published article, click here
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