Problem Statement:
Addressing social harm demands a pragmatic approach! In the contemporary post-Internet era, the landscape of social harms has shifted, necessitating a corresponding adaptation in intervention strategies to mitigate and eradicate these harms. Traditional approaches must be revised to address the evolving nature of social harm. Given the boundless progression of technology, setting limits on the societal threats originating from this realm is implausible. Particularly concerning is the absence of a coherent strategy and cultural framework to confront the proliferation of social harms, indicating a potential exponential rise in damages and societal issues. It’s imperative to recognize that tailored interventions are requisite for each distinct form of social harm, as a one-size-fits-all approach is untenable; different and specific interventions are essential for addressing each type of harm.
Tackling and preempting social harms, especially novel ones, demands resolute determination. Effectively managing social harms necessitates a concerted, research-driven effort akin to a focused operation, a comprehensive endeavor that has yet to materialize. Disparate entities, including governmental bodies, public organizations, and individuals, are addressing these issues through fragmented and limited perspectives. However, consolidating these efforts under a unified, research-based management and calculated roadmap could yield superior outcomes.
The Perils of Emerging Societal Damage:
In addition to conventional societal issues, contemporary challenges such as cybersex, internet addiction, online risks for children, identity theft, privacy breaches, virtual relationships leading to increased divorce rates, societal susceptibility to norm violations , and shifting attitudes towards paraphilic behaviors (sexual disorders) facilitated by cellphone and satellite TV channels pose significant threats to individuals and society at large. This list is not exhaustive, with numerous other items warranting consideration.
Action Plan:
Understanding the Operational Landscape:
We thoroughly examine existing and emerging societal harms, focusing on obscured layers within society while eschewing self-serving actions and personal biases in favor of scientific principles.
It draws up an operational plan and delineates the prerequisites for its successful implementation.
This roadmap should be formulated without political or administrative constraints, emphasizing a non-ideological realism essential for genuine progress.
Operational Unity and Avoidance of Personal Bias:
Despite their dedication, individual social activists possess limited resources and influence to address harm in isolation, potentially exacerbating the problem rather than mitigating it. The solution lies in collective action guided by a shared goal and plan of action, endorsed by social experts, and based on a research-oriented approach. This unity must be pragmatic, not emotional, contingent upon unwavering commitment to the agreed-upon path.
Proposal:
A systematic classification and identification of these harms is imperative to effectively prevent, control, and address emerging social harms. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the operational landscape and the associated damages, a robust action plan must be devised. Given the multifaceted impact of post-internet tools, collaboration and coordination among all relevant institutions are paramount, leveraging the challenges and opportunities of the digital age to our advantage. Nonetheless, the importance of awareness and education initiatives within families, schools, and subsequent educational stages cannot be overstated.
Comments