SONGSOPTOK : The internet
revolution has deeply impacted our modern society that can be compared to the
discovery of electricity. Today we can’t think of the internet without the
social media. When and how did you first discover the social media?
MOUSUMI ROY: I shall probably consider myself as a late
starter in the social media. It was about 5 years ago, when I was busy with
“Poetry” and “Freelance Writing to various newspapers and magazines”. Starting
then I made “Facebook” as my mode of communication in social media. I am,
however, restrictive in the use of this media and I confine myself to a limited
circle of ‘friends’ of my choice and preference.
SONGSOPTOK : As far as
interpersonal relationships are concerned, the power of the social media today
is undeniable, allowing us to communicate in real time across the globe. What
is your opinion about this? What are its advantages & disadvantages?
MOUSUMI ROY:
Absolutely correct! The power of social media
cannot be ignored or denied in today’s world. One can reach out globally
to communicate, exchange views, share thoughts or ideas, provide news of
certain place or area and simultaneously come to know about the news of other
places through social media. These are positive sides of the social media.
On the other hand, the danger of
spreading any news exponentially and at lightning speed is significant,
particularly when the news pertain to sensitive issues or subjects which may be
considered as detrimental to society at large. So, intuition and intention of
individuals play significant role in social media.
SONGSOPTOK : We have noticed
that social media has become a powerful vector for personal expression and
creativity, because we no longer need the approval or approbation to publish.
Our creativity has found a new channel for addressing a global audience. What
is your opinion about this?
MOUSUMI ROY:
I personally believe
“Freedom of Expression” has reached a new height through social media.
However, self-restraint should be practiced, here again this heavily depends on
individuals in terms of his/her desire, intent, thought process, ideas, views. Of
course creativity is ensconced in one’s
personal expression. So it is imperative for a person to think in advance
about the repercussions while addressing a topic or subject or issue.
SONGSOPTOK : In this context,
it is also true that any and everybody today can claim to be a writer, a poet,
or an artist on any number of social media. We no longer have a standard for
appreciating true talent – a role that was played by editors or different types
of experts. What is you point of view? Do you think that the power of social
media have served to create more charlatans than proper artists?
MOUSUMI ROY:
Certainly social media opened the flood gates
to express oneself, be it as a writer, critic, poet, and artist or in any other
form. It is for this reason, more and more people are getting opportunity
to express. However, any such effort needs to be sustained in the long run
in order to showcase his or her talents. Owing to the availability of
such a large platform, vast number of people can be found engaged in various activities;
only true talents will eventually survive. It may be apparent that the role of
experts like editors is getting a bit less important as another optional
platform is available, but certainly not diminishing. To draw analogies,
memorizing “Tables” at the primary school level is becoming a lesser priority for
today’s children as handy alternatives are available. Similarly, “Atlas” is
slowly being replaced with “Google Maps.” However, one cannot deny the
usefulness of such tools in everyday life. By similar logic, the role of Editor
cannot diminish completely.
SONGSOPTOK : Would you say
that the social media has contributed to bringing societies and cultures across
the globe closer? If not, what can be done to make it a more powerful tool?
MOUSUMI ROY:
Social media may have improved interaction
across the globe overcoming geographical boundaries, but how far it has helped
to unite us in society or bridge our cultural barriers, that still remains a
question mark.
SONGSOPTOK :
Would you say that in general the users of social media are
actually aware of its potential, both in the positive and negative sense? In
other words, do you think that the average user is aware of the possible reach
of social media and the consequences it may have? What is your own experience?
MOUSUMI ROY:
Well, it may be said that most people are
aware of positive and negative sides of a potential impact. It is for that
reason many debates are happening in various forums. People with negative
intentions often try to take advantage of social media to fulfill their coveted
desires as in any other platform.
SONGSOPTOK : Social media is
often considered to be a true reflection of human society. What is your
opinion? How would you evaluate the image you see today in the context of the
society you live in? How true or false is the reflection?
MOUSUMI ROY: As far as opinion generation is
concerned, the social media may show some reflections and mood of the
society. These may not always provide true reflections
when their involvement become necessary in the implementation process.
In general, many opinions are expressed by individuals sitting in their comfort
zones. On the other hand, a few mass movements received momentum through
extensive usage of social media. So evaluation has to be specific to the issue
rather than on a generic scale.
SONGSOPTOK : The advent and
the trivialization of social media is today’s society seem to be have erased
the difference between virtual and real. Would you agree? What is you own
experience?
MOUSUMI ROY:
Reality
still lies on its own. One has to feel and experience to understand it well. I
do not think that that difference has been erased. Hyper-real masquerading as
the real... or we have chosen to see it as... indeed the real has its own share
of trivia... trivia engendered classics... inspired thoughts... but is it the
whole? The real’s immensity makes its trivia often exhilarating, for
you might see it as a flip of other varieties of life... Here the trivia loses
in itself... does not offer contours throwing up ideas of the 'real'... but
yes, relativity will offer a different picture to many. But there's a
flipside to everything...in midst of trivia... some stand out... poetically... making
this trivia really trivial... poetry marches on.. ideas in tow... Facebook emerges
as everything-ish.... beyond the trivia... the reality of the poet's voice
oozes out... images
of trivia fade into immensity of poetry's dynamics...
SONGSOPTOK : In your opinion,
has social media contributed to breaking down of traditional rules of social
relationships? In what way? How would you analyze the impact of social media in
this context?
MOUSUMI ROY:
“Pen is mightier than sword”, the impact
of poetry is far-reaching in the minds of people. Many of them are linked
to reality. People tend to read, learn, express about society and
surroundings. Many of the traditional rules are being broken knowingly or
unknowingly. Social evolution process may be prime reason by itself. Sometimes
social media may be playing catalytic role in it.
SONGSOPTOK : Do you believe
that social media can play a constructive role for world peace and unity? Or on
the contrary play a totally negative role by fueling existing conflicts between
nations and communities?
MOUSUMI ROY:
Creation takes much longer time than
dissolution. Like any other media, social media can play hugely in peace and
unity. As old saying goes “Bad things are learnt faster”. One must,
therefore, always be alert and careful in expressing views. Hence, the role of
individuals in the social media is very important and significant.
SONGSOPTOK : How effective can
be the role of social media as a tool of protest and action against all sorts
of social ills and injustices?
MOUSUMI ROY:
Since the popularity of social media is
growing globally, it can play major roles against all kinds of ill-practices
and injustices. However, any such attempt must be done in a well-communicated,
planned manner to avoid unwanted loss and chaos.
SONGSOPTOK : Lastly, we would
like to know the impact of social media, if any, in your own life. What kind of
journey has it been? What are your own expectations about the evolution of
social media?
MOUSUMI ROY:
Being in a comparatively limited circle of own
preferences and choices, the impact has been found significant and enlightened.
Constructive criticism sometimes blows up within that limited circle too. Where
the reach is much wider, some kind of moderation will be
necessary more and more as measure of screening and control.
Proponents of absolute “Freedom of Expression” may oppose it but they must
think of far-reaching consequences of those ill attempts if social media is
used to spread conflicts and hatred.
MOUSUMI ROY: VISITING PROFESSOR OF
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN MUSCAT, OMAN.
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