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Has foreign relations improved or worsened with the rise of social media?

Milly Milington

As a user of a social media platform, I believe that foreign relations have both improved and worsened with the rise of social media. On the positive side, social media has allowed people from different countries to connect with each other on a level that was not possible before. This has created opportunities for cultural exchange, understanding and the formation of new relationships across borders. For example, I have personally made friends with people from different countries through social media platforms and have learnt so much about their cultures and traditions.

Moreover, social media has played a crucial role in spreading news and ideas across the globe, especially in countries where the mainstream media is tightly controlled. Networks like Twitter and Facebook have given voices to people who would otherwise be ignored or silenced.

However, with the rise of social media, relations between some countries have also worsened. For instance, in recent years we have seen how governments and individuals have used social media to spread fake news and propaganda, which has fueled tensions between countries and even caused international conflicts. This is a worrying trend as it highlights how social media can be easily manipulated to spread misinformation and cause harm.

Additionally, social media has given rise to the echo chamber phenomenon, whereby people are surrounded by news and opinions that confirm their worldview. This has led to a rise in nationalism and isolationism among certain groups, which can negatively impact foreign relations. The polarisation of opinions and viewpoints can make it difficult to have rational discussions, and can lead to further divisiveness between countries.

In conclusion, the relationship between social media and foreign relations is complex. While it has enabled greater connectivity between individuals from different countries, it has also created opportunities for misinformation and exacerbated existing divisions. As users of social media, it is important for us to be mindful of the impact of our actions online and to use social media platforms responsibly, in order to encourage positive relations between countries.