Week 4 Social media and us

Social media has affected mankind in many ways, some of us utilize it as business tool, we advertise products on internet, as for entertainment purpose, we also will watch video that shared by our friends, or communicating with friends via instant messaging services. It has a huge impact on our daily life. However, besides all the benefits, it also has created cyber crime and cyber bullying, it's one of the major issue that concernd by global authority. 

Social media will afftet us in terms of mentally, physical health as well as psychologically. For instance, During previous general election, there're many rumors and misleading news spread around , and users shared without thinking twice and wise. Leaders reputation can be easily affected by social media, social media has become a battlefield for politicians, it also changed Malaysia political landscape. Social media will make our life more easier and comfort, but does it affect our thinking skill? when we read article or post online, do we think critically? think wisely? i doubt it. 

Apparently, social media become an important tool for government, regardless the ruling coalition or opposition party. They utilize it as a publicity tool, they shared their video that explains latest policy, government spokesperson delivering speech, or even the video footage of politcian servicing the community. The relationship between people representatives and voters are getting closer because of social media. We can exchange our opinion via Facebook or Twitter, nowadays we can even question our Prime Minister on Facebook. Government is taking seriously on social media, Selangor government and Penang government are offering free wifi zone for their people, they are taking advantages of social media.

Social media creating negative or positive impact on society? It's a controversial topic, some users is in trouble due to posting up offensive and disrespectful  comments on internet, some users become popular because of social media. Be a wise social media users, be a critical thinker, don't become a parrot. 

References: 

http://www.malaysia-today.net/rumour-mongers-and-the-social-media/

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-election-2013-first-social-media-election

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/02/28/Najib-GE13-will-be-first-social-media-polls.aspx/