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Being a Member of National Youth Assembly, I would like to narrate that, media shapes public opinion and has a vital role in promoting and strengthening democracy. It is called the champion of democracy. Media is a double-edged sword which has its benefits and vices, however, its advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It ensures the right to freedom of speech. Media is said to be free when the media organizations enjoy the freedom to dispense information without facing any barrier from the government or any other powerful actor of the society.
Free media could be rightly termed as a blessing. Firstly, it educates and informs masses. Access to uncensored information helps to educate masses on important issues of the society. Free media helps raise the level of awareness among people. A higher level of awareness improves the ability to rationally make decisions.
In Pakistan, media has faced a long period of censorship. However, an appreciable level of freedom has been achieved recently. Pakistani media has a huge influence on various state and non-state actors. Various military regimes in Pakistan had a special interest in controlling the media. A higher level of awareness improves the ability to rationally make decisions. Infact, media can truly serve the national interests if geared in the right direction.
On the contrary, freedom of media has in some way also harmed the society. Sometimes, it creates confusion among masses. Freedom of media organizations towards corruption and undue influence without responsibility could lead to propaganda and unnecessary sensationalism. Absolute freedom is like absolute power which often leads media to interfere in every matter of the state. Lack of strict vigilance and regulation could journalists to negatively use this power to extort rather than inform.
In addition, expansion of media is responsible for providing communication facilities to people these days. Media is embodied with its role as watchdog over the government and other institutions. Media keeps a vigilant eye on them.
Media is the most powerful and popular organ in a society.It helps in educating public opinion regarding social programs like family planning, adult education, health and hygiene reforms, services and need of parsimony through various mediums like television, radio, newspapers, internet etc. It plays a useful role in creating political awareness among the people.
It also helps to foster a correct sense of rights and duties among citizens. It plays a potent role in the process of civilization, our social development, our acquisition of cultural and social norms and values. Being the fourth pillar of the state, it is often criticized for having a biased approach, for reinforcing stereotypical thinking and for promoting violence and other forms of undesirable behavior.
Some people use social media only for criticism, some for enjoyment and some for acquiring knowledge and spreading positivity. Criticism is good if it has a constructive motive and it depicts sick mindedness if it is done only for the sake of criticism thus showing the negative approach of a person. Only positive thinkers grow and excel. So be happy and stay calm.
Like nothing is perfect in this world, free media also carries its benefits along with its vices. The benefits, however, overshadow the vices.
