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Social media is a good medium to educate people and change mindsets. But with irresponsible use of its power, there can be a negative impact.
To the people who rant about Poonam Pandey’s “good” intention behind her publicity stunt, let me tell you about its negative impact.
When scrolling through a recent Instagram post of Dr Taneya Narendra (Drcuterus), I saw a few comments saying, “Poonam Pandey is alive; now stop this,” and that is its negative impact, which has the potential to overpower her “good intentions.” Why? Because this is India, where the lack of reproductive awareness is celebrated.
For many, because of her PR activity, cervical cancer has now turned out to be a joke. Some are even thinking that all these cervical cancer things on social media are marketing tactics of pharmacies. Basically this act of PR stunt created misunderstanding among the people. But the data showing the numbers of cervical cancer patients may shock them.
According to data from the World Health Organization for 2020, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates the diagnosis of about 13,820 new cases in the United States. Also, it mentioned the estimated death rate, which is 4360.
In India, of all cancers in women, an approximate 6-29% contributes to cervical cancer, from the data provided by the National Library of Medicine, the second-most common type of cancer in our country. So the danger of this disease is beyond Poonam Pandey’s publicity stunt.
Social media is an influential platform; it is where multiple types of communication are happening. The contents here have the potential to influence its consumers. The impact from these media can make a person change their decisions, their opinion, their way of thinking, etc.
With all its positive aspects, it is a good medium to educate people about such diseases and create awareness.
But do we need to make a drama about fake deaths to gain attention on this specific topic? It is up to the users of these platforms. We, as users and consumers of these platforms, should be responsible towards the society. Death is not a joke. There are many people who have lost loved ones because of cancer. For them, the news that flows through social media may generate their past emotional turmoil. It affects them mentally. Making all of them mentally unwell for a day and the next morning coming up with a video saying “I am alive” is utterly insensitive.
Pursuing Post Graduation in Journalism and Media Studies after completing MA in Philosophy. Currently Unlearning and learning many things. read more...
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