social media

Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16

Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or government identification to enforce a social media age cut-off, some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.

Australia plans to ban social media for users under 16

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his government will introduce legislation to prevent users under 16 from accessing social media platforms, citing the risks of online harm.

We should rethink our approach to online political discussions

Political discussions today often devolve into verbal battlegrounds, where the goal seems less about understanding and more about winning. Social media, creating echo chambers and shrinking attention spans, amplifies this by rewarding outrage and oversimplification over nuance and depth.

Scrolling away your life? Maybe it's time to reclaim a little control

We are currently habituated to mindlessly scrolling on our phones without even realising that hours have passed since we picked up the device. The following pointers can help you take control of this harmful habit.

Our sense of right and wrong is eroding: Nusraat Faria

Bangladeshi film actress, singer, and model Nusraat Faria still finds herself in a difficult position — her name continues to be associated with a former prime minister across social media discussions, often with negative undertones.

#Perspective / Radio’s last stand: Can FM survive in a digital world?

Like many traditional media, FM radio has struggled to maintain its once-strong relevance in the face of rapid digitalisation, changing listener habits, and the rise of online streaming platforms.

A call to end the cycle of revenge politics

The tendency to humiliate and seek revenge through violence only deepens political distrust and perpetuates cycles of retribution with each change in the government.

Australia plans age limit to ban children from social media

The minimum age for children to log into sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok has not been decided but is expected to be between 14 and 16 years, Albanese said.

Nihari ramen – Another pineapple-on-pizza heresy?

Nihari ramen, a Pakistani-Japanese fusion, is trending on social media. Some argue it ruins cultural authenticity, while others love the spicy-salty blend. Is it a culinary crime or a must-try dish? What’s your take on this food fusion?

October 14, 2023
October 14, 2023

Too hooked on social media? Here is how to stop it

We are too hooked on social media and limiting our usage is the biggest struggle ever. While many find it impossible to go full-on cold turkey, there are ways we can detox from social media without quitting.

July 25, 2023
July 25, 2023

The rise of platonic friendships

Platonic friendships have started to take centre stage in the fabric of people's lives after being confined to the periphery of interpersonal ties in the past. While sexual relationships have long caught poets' and minstrels' attention, the more subtle attraction of platonic relationships is currently enjoying the spotlight of social scrutiny. This change has caused many of us to give serious thought to the complex and profound nature of friendship itself.

July 8, 2023
July 8, 2023

Can Threads replace Twitter in the social media landscape?

Instagram’s much-hyped microblogging app, Threads has been officially launched, and it looks a lot like Elon Musk’s Twitter. According to AP News, Meta Platform’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that around 10 million people have registered for Threads in the first seven hours of its launch. So, does it have a real chance to overtake Twitter?

May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023

I lost weight for myself, was tired of taunts: Dighi

Prarthana Fardin Dighi had to face a lot of criticism for her weight. She was constantly bullied on social media, where many claimed she wasn't fit enough to be an actress. 

May 13, 2023
May 13, 2023

Creeps and stalkers consider filing lawsuit due to mental trauma caused by friend request glitch

“The real victims in this tragedy are the ones who didn’t get any friend requests despite the glitch and me,” said Mark. 

May 11, 2023
May 11, 2023

When BookTok amplifies diversity, who controls the narrative?

When certain types of books are consistently marketed and sold more than others, it can result in a lack of diversity in the types of stories and perspectives that are being shared

April 9, 2023
April 9, 2023

I trained my algorithm like Jackie Chan to show me important cat photos

I had decided my algorithm required some tough love if we were to get along.

April 5, 2023
April 5, 2023

How to develop a healthy relationship with social media

It’s essential to have a healthy relationship with social media so that we can navigate around it without letting it affect us in a harmful way.

April 4, 2023
April 4, 2023

Balancing spirituality and social media in the digital age

Ramadan, the blessed month for Muslims globally, allows us to introspect and break out of habits that do not add any value to our life but rather cause damage. Many people look forward to Ramadan as a golden opportunity to break out of their habit of smoking and live a healthier lifestyle. In this digital age, many of us are addicted to our phones and various social media apps. So, what more of an auspicious time can you have than now to break out of your smartphone addiction?

March 16, 2023
March 16, 2023

The role of Big Tech and influencers amid conflicts

While Putin obviously deserves reprimand, should social media and tech giants encourage violence?