The number of posts on social media offering to help those stranded in Dubai, the UAE and other parts of West Asia during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is indeed heartwarming. And this is what social media, especially X should be used for, as a global notice board for relevant information in times like these. Information about flights, alternate routes, helpline numbers are essential in times like these as are shared experiences and narratives. Those who have made it back are helping with routes and numbers, those who are stranded are finding comfort in reaching out to others in a similar situation.
This is what social media should ideally be used for – connecting people and not building barriers of hate. Actually why just `social’ this should apply to all media. After all that is the prime responsibility of all media, to not just be a watchdog but also the source of reliable and useful information. And to its credit, during times of crisis the media does step up to this role.
During Covid for example, it was the media both legacy media and social media that became the prime source of news and information.
Actually that was when people turned more to legacy media for `verified’ news and our anchors and editors played their part. Though there were some unforgivable slip ups, as old habits are hard to break. Such as when certain channels went after the muslim community targeting them as Super Spreaders. Not only was this outrage selective
as there were so many other `super spreader’ events going on at the time, including state elections, but it was also designed to divide However, one hopes that the informative and good samaritan narrative that is dominating the social media currently remains. Dont forget it is called Social media and not anti-social so let’s strive to keep the divisive agenda out.