social media

Democracy in the digital age: Lessons from Bangladesh and beyond

The internet, once a mere repository of information, has evolved into the most formidable arena for political engagement.

US to monitor immigrants' social media for antisemitism

The US government announced Wednesday it will start reviewing the social media activity of visa applicants and immigrants for antisemitic content, according to a recent report by Reuters. The announcement has been heavily criticised by certain civil liberties groups as an overreach that threatens free expression.

#Perspective / Memes: The unofficial voice of Bangladesh’s digital generation

What started as a niche form of entertainment, in recent years, has grown into a medium for storytelling, political satire, and everyday connection. Memes now serve as a mirror of society, and as Bangladesh continues to embrace digitalisation, they are now contributing to online conversations and sparking social change.

Online grooming and the fight to protect our children

Grooming of minors by paedophilic adults seems to be an overlooked yet pressing societal anomaly

Building a knowledge-based society

Do we question the information that floods our social media feeds or passively consume and share without critical evaluation?

Bangladesh’s digital transformation: How social media is shaping politics and society

Social media has become a crucial part of this transformation, influencing everything from politics to social movements.

EU strengthens hate speech rules on Facebook, YouTube, X

The European Union (EU) has updated its code of conduct on online hate speech, requiring social media platforms like Meta’s Facebook, Elon Musk’s X, and Google’s YouTube to step up efforts to tackle harmful content. The European Commission announced the changes on Monday, integrating the code into the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).

Bluesky tightens safety rules as user numbers ramp up

Bluesky, the decentralised social media platform, has seen a recent surge in new users and is taking steps to improve security and combat impersonation. With more people joining the platform, the company is introducing stricter measures to ensure accounts are authentic and trustworthy, as per an official post by the platform.

Australia backs down on social media misinformation fines

Australia has decided not to go ahead with a plan to fine social media companies for failing to stop the spread of false information. The proposed law would have allowed fines of up to 5% of a company’s yearly earnings but was dropped because it didn’t have enough support in the country's Senate.

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?

March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023

BBC reinstates Lineker after asylum row

The former England footballer was removed after using Twitter to compare the language used to launch the new policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany.