Use social media tools responsibly: Experts

  Gachibowl: “Social media tools are nothing short of a boon to the whole concept of news creation and dissemination but, at the same time it demands a word of caution by the user.”  Experts of Mass Communication & Journalism expressed these views during the inaugural of 3-day workshop ‘Usages of Social Media Tools for Future Media’ organised by the Department of Mass Communication & Journalism, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on Tuesday. 

Popular broadcast journalist Satish Jacob said that the present state of affairs of media has nosedived in recent times after setting high bench marks in pre- and post-independence era. He advised the users of social media to show ‘Adab’ (Etiquette) while expressing their points of view.

Social media has gained so much prominence off late, should be a learning platform for budding journalists, he opined. He told the future journalists to uphold the truth and not to twist the facts.
Dr Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, Vice-Chancellor, in his presidential address described social media as a combination of various dreams. It has provided from the camera and to all the related technologies at your finger tips, but its usage demands restraint and self-control, he advised. This is an excellent opportunity to become a journalist, he added. 

Dr Aslam Parvaiz exhorted the students to abhor hate-mongering comments. Bigotry can be conquered only by love and service, he remarked. 

Pankaj Pachori, senior journalist & editor of GO News, asked the students to make proper use of this workshop. He also expressed dismay over the state of present media, “but, instead of mere crying foul, we need to rectify the fault.” “If you are not satisfied with something, then don’t just sit, do something to improve the situation,” he added. Senior Urdu journalist, Syed Vicaruddin, Editor-in-Chief of Urdu daily Rehnuma-e-Deccan, Hyderabad, was felicitated in absentia for his outstanding services to Urdu journalism. Dr Mir Akber Ali Khan, Associate Editor, Rehnuma-e-Deccan, received the memento on his behalf and read out his message.

Audio Visual news stories by students of MCJ were also screened.