The Complications of Social Media

The last few months have been extremely turbulent in the Middle East with several countries being caught up in violent revolutions against those in power. This has also highlighted the extent of the impact which social media websites has had on the way news and information filters through to the public. In this day and age, news reaches people immediately, as it is happening due to the internet. Social media sites allow people to have a voice, who, in the past, would have not have had the opportunity to speak out about issues affecting them.

On the whole, this is a good advancement in technology. People are able to know what is going on all of the time and makes it easier to interact with others on all manner of issues. However, social media also gives rise to some controversial factors. For example, Facebook has been forced to shut down a group that was set up by Palestinian supporters, after receiving complaints from government officials and US Jewish groups. The reason for this is that many of its supporters were advocating violence against Jews and encouraging an uprising in Israel.

Obviously, it is right that the group was shut down; violence should never be condoned. It also calls into question the dangers of having such an open platform for free speech. It shows just how important it is for all content on social media sites to be monitored, without denying people the right of free speech.