Social media allows virtually anyone with an internet connection to become a publisher. While this freedom has empowered millions of people, it has also raised an important question: How reliable is the content we see and hear online?
Many posts are based on personal opinions rather than verified facts, while others may present incomplete or misleading information. As a result, users must exercise caution and develop the habit of verifying information before accepting it as true.
Like every technological innovation, social media has both advantages and disadvantages. It is difficult to classify its vast and ever-growing content because it ranges from educational lectures and scientific discussions to entertainment, political commentary and misinformation. The same platform that hosts valuable educational material can also amplify rumours and conspiracy theories.
People also tend to judge content based on familiarity. A programme hosted by a well-known television anchor or an established journalist is often regarded as more trustworthy than one presented by an unfamiliar individual, even though credibility should ultimately depend on evidence rather than popularity. This illustrates how reputation continues to influence public perception in the digital age.
Recognising the profound influence of social media, universities in many advanced countries have established research centres dedicated to studying its impact on society. Scholars examine how digital platforms shape political opinions, mental health, social relationships and patterns of communication. Among them are researchers who have spent years investigating how the internet has transformed ordinary users from passive consumers of information into active creators of text, audio and video content.
Anwaruzzaman, Islamabad
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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