Is banning Social Media in times of tragedy a good idea?

Is social media meant only for inciting violence or it is as an essential tool for Global communication?

It is true that Social Medias are often blamed for spreading rumours and misinformation in society. This is not the first time that the Sri Lankan Government banned Social Media after the terrorist attack on 21st April 2019. Many other countries like Bangladesh, Iran, North Korea and even China excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan banned or temporarily put a limitation on its access in times of violence. But, is this the only solution to the problems?

When a shooter in Christchurch live-streamed his attack on Facebook and soon it was uploaded on YouTube, the tech companies took every measure to stop the spread of those videos. Although countries like Australia and New Zealand didn’t ban Social Media stricter laws were imposed on the companies.

The Internet has both positive and negative impact. But, ideally social media was not meant only for spreading rumours, it also establishes global communication and it has been performing its tasks impeccably. But if global communication is restricted will that be a good idea?

In times of any emergency situation the very first ting government does is put a temporary ban on the internet. However, common people take the help of Social Media to contact their near and dear ones.

It is to be understood internet shutdown is not the ultimate solution for controlling violence. One way people uses it for spreading misinformation but at the same time, many people are there in this world who are spreading love messages. It is the same interface, same application and the same platform people are using in different parts of the world. But what makes it different is our mindsets. We need to focus on the right path rather than beating around the bushes. Restricting internet will also mean restricting the free flow of information around the globe.

So, what is needed is an effective management system. If Global communication is banned then there will be a limitation on knowledge as well. Strict policies for using Social Medias are also needed but the tech giants are already working on it. It is good that the governments are intervening the system but rather than banning it, social media can be utilized in a better way in times of tragedy and moreover people who are using it needs to be more responsible while uploading stories or images.