SOCIAL media is the generic term for applications like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and WhatsApp etc. It has connected the world but at the same time it has a downside-- isolation.

People are so busy on social media that they don’t give time to their family, friends and even important tasks. Things have come to such a sorry pass that parents and children hardly interact owing to their preoccupation with this addiction all the time.

Social media has badly affected our ability to concentrate on work and also reduced the reading of books. The use of foul language, character assassination and promiscuous behaviour are established norms.

I appreciate the government stance in approaching the Facebook adminstration and asking them to create new Facebook accounts only if a personal, registered contact number is provided to ensure authentic accounts.

Last but not least, terrorist organisations are also using social media to recruit impressionable youngsters.

The public should use social media with responsibility, keeping in mind the norms of common decency.

Imran Ali Siyal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2017