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“Tell me something, girl, are you happy in this modern world? Or do you need more? Is there something else you’re searching for?”
When Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga performed “Shallow” in the movie “A Star is Born,” the lyrics resonated deeply with many of us. It made me pause and wonder: am I truly happy in this fast-paced, digitally driven modern world?
Let’s pause for a moment of honest self-evaluation:
Recently, a viral post circulated social media about organ donors urgently waiting for recipients. Though shared with genuine good intentions by many, the post was later revealed as a scam. This situation is increasingly common, highlighting the importance of good governance and responsible behavior online.
According to the United Nations (UN), governance refers to the process of making decisions and ensuring their effective implementation. Good governance, as defined by the UN, includes eight core characteristics: Participation, Consensus-oriented, Accountability, Transparency, Responsiveness, Equity and Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency, and Rule of Law. Let’s explore how these principles can guide us toward better governance in our use of social media
Participation means giving all stakeholders, especially vulnerable or marginalized groups, a voice in social media conversations. It encourages active engagement and interaction, enabling freedom of expression. It’s vital to promote and maintain respectful, open dialogue, ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to participate in online communities.
When engaging on social media, it’s essential to seek consensus and understanding, especially when discussing sensitive issues such as culture, history, or religion. Rather than amplifying division through criticism of other beliefs or groups, we should cultivate empathy and deeper understanding. Striving for consensus-oriented interactions helps build harmony and reduce unnecessary conflict.
Accountability means accepting responsibility for the content we post or share. Social media should never become a platform where users spread misinformation or harmful content without consequence. As responsible digital citizens, we should always verify information before sharing, understanding that we’re accountable for its potential impact.
Transparency involves openly sharing credible, verifiable information. Every piece of content shared on social media should be traceable back to authentic sources. If information cannot be transparently verified or disclosed to the public, it simply shouldn’t be shared. Embracing transparency protects users from misinformation and potential harm.
Responsiveness refers to our ability to quickly correct or remove misinformation and respond promptly to feedback from users. If misleading or incorrect information spreads, social media users and administrators must swiftly correct or delete it to minimize damage. A responsive approach helps maintain trust and credibility in digital communication.
Equity and inclusiveness require that everyone has equal access and respect online, irrespective of caste, religion, ethnicity, or social background. All stakeholders should have the same opportunity to engage without discrimination or exclusion. Content shared should reflect inclusivity, promoting equality, and reducing marginalization.
Effectiveness and efficiency mean sharing meaningful and purposeful content, providing genuine value. We should avoid wasting our audience’s time with irrelevant or low-quality material. Every piece of content should be sustainable, meaningful, and beneficial—not only to the current audience but also future generations relying on our responsible digital footprints.
Finally, good governance demands respect for the rule of law. This involves adhering to legal frameworks, platform terms of service, and community guidelines. We should always share content that aligns with established community standards and relevant laws. Respecting these regulations ensures safety, fairness, and protection for everyone involved.
Applying good governance principles to social media use requires ongoing awareness and intentional practice. Before posting or sharing content, pause and consider:
By thoughtfully engaging with these questions, we can foster a safer, kinder, and more responsible digital environment—ensuring we’re happier, more informed, and genuinely fulfilled in our modern world.
