We talked to a few young people as to how youth can help develop social media as a platform to promote peace and unity. Here's what they had to say:
Greejesh Prakash, 22
Engineering Student
I believe that while it’s every individual’s right to express himself, one should do so responsibly. I use Facebook and Twitter to share my ideas and opinions. It is very easy to get the latest news and updates via social media. And we can get excited and share the news immediately. But I refrain from doing that because sometimes you can end up sharing false news. We should be sure that the news comes from a credited place before sharing it on social media sites. The recent news and reports on the Kailali incident was shared by hundreds of people but many were sensationalizing the incident. That just creates more chaos. Social media is an easily available platform but we can also misuse it. Used in the correct manner, it can be a powerful tool. Just recently, we held a ‘Sadhbhav Rally’ around the Thapathali area regarding the Kailali incident and we mobilized participants through Facebook.
Rhea Kshetry
Receptionist
Deep Boarding High School
In Facebook I enjoy taking quizzes and reading interesting articles. It’s quite entertaining that way. I used to be an avid Facebook user, but seeing my wall full of irrelevant details of my friends and acquaintances’ personal life has discouraged me to use it as often as I used to. These days, I sign in to my account about once a week. While some people post just about everything, like eating, sleeping, thinking of someone, etc, without understanding the notion of privacy, there are others who publicly share demeaning things about other people. I instantly react by unfriending them or even blocking them.
The thing is, social media can be a great platform to share and network, but one must introspect before sharing something to the mass. We need to develop compassion towards others. Generally upon sharing something obnoxious, people justify it by saying that they only did it for the fun of it, but one must remember that it often sets a bad impression which certainly isn’t desirable to anyone.
H.E. Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche building Universal Peace Sanctuary...
Yaman Singh Shrestha, 16
High School Graduate
It has actually become a sort of trend to post sensitive news writing ‘RIP.’ Many of the people who do that don’t actually understand what’s going on. I feel it’s insensitive to do that. People write all sorts of comments without understanding the crux of the matter. I only use Facebook and I see that many people are posting and commenting on such news. I just avoid those posts, and read the newspaper or watch TV instead.
Amrit Poudel, 17
High School Graduate
I use Facebook and Twitter to keep myself updated about current news, and to know what’s trending around me and in the world. In Facebook, I like sharing my thoughts about life and certain feelings. Being an avid sports fan, it also allows me to learn about the updates of the sports world when I don’t get the chance to watch the games.
On the flip side, Facebook is also used as a tool to spread negativity. Recently after the Tikapur riot, many people expressed bigoted opinions such as “Let’s kick them out of the nation.” Such people do not understand the power of discussion and they write whatever they wish without thinking what impact it can make.
Instead of spreading hatred and sharing unverified news and rumors, young people need to use social media to share positive news, events that could help in developing their skills, inspiring stories and videos from around the world, etc.
Sarita Basnet, 18
High School Graduate
Sometime ago I used Facebook quite a lot, but I don’t anymore. I just felt like not using it one day and ended up deactivating it since April this year. I don’t really feel the urge to go back and don’t believe that I’m missing out on much. Since I read newspapers online, and surf other sites to get myself updated on various issues, not using Facebook or any other social media for that matter, isn’t holding me back. However, if need be, I have no qualms about reactivating my Facebook account. I just wish people used social media for more productive purposes. People think that Facebook profiles are personal and you are free to express your emotions and opinions there. But they don’t understand what impact it can make to those who are reading them. Using foul language, sharing fake news, posting horrifying photos from accident sites, creating offensive pages, circulating hateful memes—social media platform aren’t meant for these. We, as young people, should spread messages of unity and harmony via social media. We should be more careful about what we’re posting.
Ashmita Rawal, 24
Graduate of BSc Forestry,
Tribhuvan University
I’m mostly interested in issues related to gender. When I read news about violence and harassment of women, I share it with my colleagues. Recently, I read a report about a girl in Bara who was beaten to death for not making rotis. Such news makes me feel angry but instead of sharing it in social media, I just circulate the news among my friends who I know will be interested. I believe that people should think twice before sharing any kind of news because it will then reach everyone connected to the person. I avoid posts that people put up using foul language. I can easily get the same news from elsewhere.
