The Disinformation Divide: Understanding the Impact of Social Media on Polarization

Introduction

Tracing back to a couple of decades, the position and usage of smart phones were not the same let alone the data usage. With time, tech-advancements and digitalization, there has been enormous rise in the introduction, manufacture, and sale of mobile phones with over the top facility that enable them to be renamed as smart phones which is used not just for the portable telephonic communication but for almost all the aspect of human lives (Bali, 2022) Today, Smart phones are typically used to stay informed about breaking news and community incidents, as well as to get from one location to another, carrying out day to day activities and navigating transactions such as landing a new job or learning more about a medical condition. This also serves as a means of communication as well as entertainment.

From the very beginning to the end of a person's day, smart phones can be seen used by the internet users which includes all age group people and the major ratio are the youth (Desai, 2023) These phones are currently being used as a clock, calendar, and meeting organizer and are being used to run businesses as well, order food, book tickets, order medications media and file sharing. These alternatives were not always available. At any point of time an average person now uses their phone for an astonishing 3000 times per day meaning thereby every person on the planet has access to a mobile phone thus making it a chaotic experience. The social media revolution began with Google's Orkut in 2004 and quickly spread to Facebook and Instagram. Instagram, initially only available for an iPhone, later became available for Android in 2014. Its unique interface and features, including reels, have attracted users. However, the platform also faces issues like trolls and negative comments, which can lead to suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the lack of fact checking on Instagram allows for the spread of fake news, negatively impacting mental health (Halkot, 2016)

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have revolutionized communication and business advertising, enabling global connections and real-time engagement. However, they also contribute to the spread of inaccurate information, fake news, anxiety, despair, and low self-esteem. Excessive social media use has been linked to poor physical health outcomes, such as obesity, decreased physical activity, and poor sleep quality, as per (Moorehead et al. 2013). Thus, social media offers communication and knowledge access, but can also spread incorrect information and negatively impact mental and physical health, making responsible use crucial.