The many benefits of modern digital communications are undeniable: connection to family, opportunity to meet new friends, visibility for businesses, and access to the collection of human knowledge, to name a few. With these advantages, however, come limitations that create problems for society. Some of the most prevalent challenges include big data and cybersecurity, the spread of misinformation, and unrealistic expectations caused by social media. There are concrete steps that both individuals and institutions can take to improve these limitations.
Big data is typically used by corporations to learn more
about consumers in order to turn larger profits while cybersecurity threats are
often carried out by bad actors attempting to access and steal private
information. Individuals can be safer by educating themselves
about how they are tracked and how their data is used by companies. Then they can make
choices that protect their information like deleting browser cookies and restricting apps from tracking their location. At a societal level, government should consider passing stricter regulations about the type of data that can be collected as well as requiring companies to clearly explain to consumers what data is being collected and how it will be used.
Another issue on the rise is misinformation and the shrinking trust the public has in the media. Technological advancements have made instant communication common, allowing social media posts, videos, or memes – true or false – to go viral online. One of the best ways to stop the spread of false stories is to expose people to examples of potential misinformation and how it could mislead them. This kind of responsibility falls to media outlets who have large audiences and could help reach people through television and radio as well as digital sources. Journalists could also educate individuals on how to fact check claims and stress the importance of reading stories from different sources.
Finally, social media may be fun, but it can cause a lot of
damage in the form of unrealistic expectations, body image issues, and envy of
what others post. If users identify these feelings within themselves after
their social media activity, they may need to mute or unfollow accounts that
trigger them or even perform a complete social media detox. Mental health can be
greatly affected by unhealthy social media habits, and while users need to work
on their own reactions to what they see, responsibility also falls on the companies,
especially when it comes to users who are under-aged and are still developing
mentally. Platforms could include resources on how to develop healthy social
media habits and encourage users to seek professional counseling if they are
experiencing depression or other mental health issues.
Many of the problems that have developed out of new
communication technologies revolve around companies using them to increase
their profits. However, the public is keenly aware of when ethics are being
disregarded, and that awareness can damage a company’s reputation, leading to financial
losses. Putting effort into improving the digital media shortcomings that are harming society is not only an ethical choice, it is a wise business move. The actions outlined here can also be taken by institutions such as Congress and the press to improve these limitations and progress as a modern society.
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