Editor’s Note

Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X are used by people across the world to interact with each other and different stakeholders. Social media provides an opportunity to create content, share, access and receive information from across the globe. With the help of social media individuals can satisfy the needs and desires of connecting with people and organisation at their convenience. The nature of content on social media is diverse ranging from corporate organisation, educational material, health and fitness and others. Social media has led to a new term, “pro -consumers.”

Social media is used by organisations to reach out to potential customers; it empowers people in decision-making and in corporate reputation and many more activities. The penetration of social media usage is not only in professional activities but also daily-life activities like dinning, home-cleaning, and shopping. The influence of social media is all pervasive in human life. Social media has both positive and negative consequences. If the negative consequences are not manged properly, it can have a long-standing impact on organisation and individual. This issue we have eight papers reflecting on various aspects of social media.

Exploring the Misuse of Deepfake Technology in India: Implications for Society this study, highlights the importance of media responsibility in understanding evolving technologies that empower the public sphere and strengthen democracy.

A Study on Social Media Use, Self-Satisfaction and Self-Esteem in Adults, the findings of this study point to that most respondents between 26 to 44 years have moderate addiction to social media. A scatter positive correlation has been found between self-esteem and self-satisfaction.

Exploring the feasibility of a socially enriched learning environment in the field of ODL : A case study of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University looks into the different online and social media tools that are offered by the university, in order to look into the feasibility of using social networking platforms by KKHSOU for learning purposes .

Influence of Social Media Recommendations on OTT Content Consumption among the Youth with Special Reference to West Bengal is research which points to how social media is used for choosing OTT platforms and content. It also points out the cultural shift towards inspiring women to participate in digital activities and encouraging their digital presence.

Analyzing the impact of social media usage on modern parenting, the study intended to understand the effect of the extensive use of social media on family bonding and how children are affected by the elders' spending time on social media. The study reveals significant reliance on social media among parents, with varying perceptions of its impact on family dynamics.

Ethical Dilemmas of Solo Journalists while engaging in Mobile Journalism: An exploratory engagement in the peripheries of India's Northeast. The researcher argues that in today's highly interconnected society, the idea of disconnecting from technology is no longer a feasible option. Thus, the emphasis should be on humanising the technological aspect of digitising humanity. It discusses by using technology how the highest standards of journalistic practices can be upheld.

Darkening Digital Democracy: A Case Study of Manipur Internet Shutdown tries to understand the impact of internet shutdowns which Manipur has faced this year due to the unrest prevailing in the state. Social media is a tool for development and empowerment, but when denied what could be the influence?

Unveiling the Shadows: Exploring the Dark Side of social media through Cinematic Lens delves into the examination of social media's detrimental impact on society through a cinematic lens. Cinema, as a potent medium with immediate and enduring effects, serves as a crucial source for such analysis while entertaining audiences.

I want to thank all our reviewers who helped us in putting this volume together. A special word of appreciation for Dr. Manjushree G Naik for going through the process meticulously.

Looking forward to your feedback in enhancing the quality of the journal.

Dr. Padma Rani
Editor
Professor & Director
Manipal Institute of Communication
Manipal, India.