RENASCENCE OF JAMTARA GANG: E-SIM PHISHING TECHNIQUE

 

PHISHING: It is the process of deceiving the target or targets with the message, call, e-mail or some other means that is intended to cajole them to provide sensitive information like password, credit/debit card details, or some personal information that can lead the target to suffer some financial losses.

Jamtara, a city in Jharkhand state. This is a city that was responsible for eighty percent of the phishing carried in India but after 2017 onwards the cases got decreased from there. Previously, the young boys of this city used to make fake calls through fake sims being an official of bank and lure the target to provide the details that were required to fraud the money. Jamtara is also known as the “Phishing Capital of India” and it has been involved in cybercrime since 2012. In 2017 some of the masterminds of the gang were caught and after that, the frequency of phishing from Jamtara sunk subsequently.

Of late, again there has been found a case of phishing in Haryana by members of Jamtara gang. This time they came with some new technique that is availing the e-sim of the target and then transferring the money from the victim's account.

E-SIM: It is an embedded sim that can be generated from the sim operator’s site and can be used as a normal sim without changing the physical sim.  For example, I have only one slot for the sim in my device but I want to use more sims in the same device. It is now possible as we can generate the e-sim form the authoritative companies and can be used as a normal sim.

WHAT IS E-SIM TECHNIQUE?

Here, the gang lures the target by describing them about the Know Your Customer (KYC) and also influence them that they required it do their KYC. The callers also assure the target that KYC can be done online, so the target also gets happy and does as the caller insists. During the process, the scammer sends a mail that is linked to authorize the e-sim for the same number being used by the target. As the target clicks the link, e-sim gets issued to the scammers and they transfer the money from the target’s account.

 

VACCINE NATIONALISM (COVID-19)

 

What is the vaccine nationalism?

Vaccine nationalism is an unethical mechanism of securing the doses of the vaccine of any epidemic or pandemic disease by a country for its domestic market before the completion of human trials of the vaccine. By this process, a country makes deal with the companies that are manufacturing the vaccine and lands on an agreement to avail the vaccine reserved for their country before it is made available to the other countries.

Which countries are engaged in vaccine nationalism? (COVID_19)

The USA, Japan, UK, and European Union are the top countries that have already made agreements with the top giant companies that are on different stages of trial of manufacturing the Covid-19 vaccine. These countries have a high economy and resources as well so they are able to invest in companies like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca-Oxford.

Why is vaccine nationalism in news these days?

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the matters related to vaccine nationalism that can create havoc, and countries with a poor economy will be debarred of the vaccine in early stages. For the same WHO has come up with initiative termed as “Covax Facility”. The aim of Covax-Facility is to have the procurement of two billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines by the end of 2020. It also aims to distribute those vaccines to low-income and middle-income countries.

What is Covax-Facility?

Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility is that will provide an equitable and fair opportunity for every country to procure the COVID-19 vaccine. There will be an agreement that will be signed by the different countries to have the benefits of this opportunity.  It will also ensure that the country that manufactures the vaccine first will be allowed to secure 20% of vaccines for their country and rest will be distributed among the other countries that are in need.

Will Covax-Facility provide benefits?

Yes, covax-facility will provide benefit but only after each and every country signs the agreement because if countries with a high economy don’t sign the agreement then the objective of this facility will not be upheld. 

Is there any law to prevent vaccine nationalism?

Vaccine nationalism has its effect on public health globally, even though there are no international laws that helps to prevent or stop such unethical activity.

What are the drawbacks of vaccine nationalism?

If countries start vaccine nationalism then it results in countries with fewer resources and makes the bargaining difficult for other countries. Moreover, if countries having a large number of cases lags behind in procuring the vaccine then they will suffer the most which will also result in the economic loss. The economic loss in any country can result in some sort of butterfly effect that will ultimately affect the global economy.

 

 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE- A BOON OR BANE?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that deals with the machine intelligence that is incorporated within the machines and helps them to act like humans and animals. The machines incorporated with AI can perform various tasks like speech recognition, handwriting recognition, robotic performances, puzzle-solving, and a variety of other works. AI has its inception at the very beginning of 1956 and since early 2000 it has captured wider landscapes. In the current scenario, AI is used in various fields of engineering, medical science, agriculture, etc.

AI-A BOON

1. INDEFATIGABLE: Unlike humans the AI machines are indefatigable, they can continuously work for a long period of time without any disruption until any breakdown occurs.
2. PERFORMS COMPLEX TASK: AI machines are cable of performing the difficult tasks at less time than what is required by a human.  It is possible because the algorithm of AI is capable to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
3. CURTAILMENT OF ERRORS: Humans have a tendency to make some errors while performing some tasks but AI machines curtail the errors.  Also, the precision of AI machines is very high and a good feature.
4. DIGITAL ASSISTANCE: AI helps in reducing the manpower required for assistance as it acts and provides the facility of digital assistance. It is used in chat processes and many other virtual assistances.

AI-A BANE

1. EXORBITANT COST: The cost associated with the AI is very high as the AI machines are constructed with complex hardware and intricate with high the training which helps them to be adaptable for various tasks.
2. INAPTITUDE TO REPLICATE HUMANS: It is believed by many that AI machines can never replace humans. AI may be efficient than humans and has been smarter day by day but even though they will never be able to possess human-like moral concepts and emotions.
3. NO-SELF EXPERIENCE: AI machines mainly depend on human experiences as they don’t have their own trait of it. The foremost difference is that machines don’t have the quality of being reactive to environments.
4. UNEMPLOYMENT: The increment of AI machines is dwindling the job opportunities of humans.  The overusing of AI-based machines by humans can lead to highly dependent on them which can lead to loss of thinking ability.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the wider range of concept or tool that is part of computer science. It has got many benefits and disadvantages. The efficacious use of AI machines can help to overcome some major disadvantages. AI has fully revolutionized the era and continuously it has been widening its area.

HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT

Any interaction between human and wildlife that results in negative impacts on social, economic or cultural life, on the conservation of wildlife populations or on the environment is termed as human-wildlife conflict as per the World Wide Fund for Nature(WWF). Human was also animal for ages after the emergence of life on the earth, they used to live of intimacy with animals but humans evolved and animal leapfrogged.

The burgeoning of the human population and waning of animal population accompanying human advancement in technology had remodeled the way of living for humans. Human is continuously expanding their habitation and industrialization in forest lands which are reserve for wildlife that ultimately results in deforestation. The destruction of forests instigates animals to invade the human land for prey. There are many occurrences of human-wildlife conflicts and most of them are because of human intrusion on animal’s land for various motives like industrialization, farming, grazing of domestic animals, road and railway development through forest land, etc.

Recently, there has been a case in Kerala where a pregnant elephant died because of the human gaffe which ushered the global attention, besides humans have become selfish for their development and don’t care about the environment and ecosystem. After seeing ghastly pictures of animal cruelty it can tremble anyone. But almost all show their care and mourn for a day and again the next day it is unremembered. There are a plethora of such incidents that occur every year. It is the responsibility of the human to protect the areas of wildlife and not to disturb their habitat.

To combat such conflicts human settlement should be improved or there should be proper barriers between them, training should be provided so that humans can avoid direct conflict with animals, the establishment of technical supports, and geo-tagging of animals can benefit more. Life of human also matter as some time in this the conflict they die so, there should be a proper implementation of safety measure in such areas. The government should be more active on this matter as it is the ecosystem that helps us to live. 

FINAL YEAR EXAMINATIONS TO BE HELD ??

 

On July 6, 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) released a notice regarding the final year examination. It also stated that the final year examination is necessary to be held and is intended to protect the academic future of students which will be irreparably damaged if the examinations are not held as per the statement provided by UGC.  These statement of UGC was denounced by students and teachers across India. After the notice got released some students went to the supreme court (SC) to challenge the UGC’s decision.

The SC acted on the petition and gave a date of hearing on 10^th August but they further gave provided new date that is 14^th August for reviewing. On 10^th August review the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta shared the information that students should go on preparing for the examination and also stated that states have no power to cancel the examination but it is UGC that decides. UGC’s decision for taking examination was based on the academic future of students but it doesn’t seem the same.

It has been almost a month when UGC gave the notice about the examination but it seems that UGC is not concerned about the future of students but they are just vesting their authority as per my perspective. Coming to the UGC’s statement if they were concerned about the academic future of students then they would have acted upon this sooner. There are many students who pursue further studies after graduation and admission of such students has started already in many foreign countries but due to the non-availability of degree, they will be barred. There are many examinations that will be held in the coming days whose forms have to be filled but those forms can be only after getting the degree.

The decision by UGC is just creating the confusion and hodgepodge among the students whether the examination will be held or not. It is a time of pandemic and we all are aware that our colleges are not adaptable to conduct the offline examination in such conditions. Coming to an online examination, it is also merely possible because there are a plethora of students who are from remote areas where there are no proper facilities of electricity, internet and many of them don’t have a PC or laptop. In India, in the current situation, either way of examination can’t be held.

So, preferably UGC has just created a state of turmoil and they themselves should review it. It is hight time that SC and UGC act on the matter as soon as possible and with some positive note.

(If I have done some mistakes while writing then please let me know I will try to correct it)

Thank You!! Peace Out!! Stay Safe!!

JAMMU AND KASHMIR ( ARTICLE 370 & ARTICLE 35-A)

(I tried not to hurt the sentiment of any sections or parties, I have just put some factual data with my own some perspectives)

India in 1948 was divided into many small princely states. After the Mountbatten Plan (India Independence Act of 1947) was passed that stated there will be a partition of India into two, Pakistan and India. According to this plan, small princely states were independent to choose either to join India, Pakistan or stay independent. Till the mid-1947 after the Independence around all princely state decided where to join but three states J&K, Junagadh and Hyderabad were creating turmoil. Hyderabad was merged by annexation, Junagadh merged by plebiscite. The Maharaja of J&K Hari Singh wanted to be independent and signed that he will join India if Pakistan attacks or join Pakistan if India attacks.

In October 1947, Pakistan’s hold on reached its acme and they sent their tribal by providing some training to them to J&K. These tribal attacked and captured many areas of J&K and Baramulla incident also took place which is one of the horrendous and mournful incidents of history. The Maharaja Hari Singh of J&K unable to fight against them agreed to sign the instrument of accession and join India. On 26^th October Instrument of accession was signed by him and on 27^th October Lord Mountbatten signed and ratified it. After this J&K became the part of India and  Pakistani tribal and armies were removed from there by Indian armies. But they were pushed back till Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) area (currently know).

The situation of Kashmir was getting worsened so the PM of India Jawahar Lal Nehru with suggestions of other bureaucrats decided to go to the UN and seek help against the issue. This was the greatest mistake that was committed but we can’t blame because we have no idea what situations were there during that time. On 31^st December 1948, the UN passed a resolution that listed three points, the first point stated that first Pakistan will remove its army from the area. The second was that Pakistan will also call back the people whom they sent in the valley and third was that the UN will inform about both fulfilments of both conditions by Pakistan and then India will remove its army. Now, the issue took an international angle and didn’t help in any way as the orders of the UN are not a binding one. The issue has been continuing since then till now.

In June 1949, Article 370 was provided to J&K which provided special provisions but were of temporary basis till the issue gets solved. Person’s behind Article 370 was Sheikh Abdulla, Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawahar Lal Nehru. Again in 1954, the Presidential Order was passed and Article 35-A was implemented that gave some other extra provisions to people of J&K.

Looking into an issue we can conclude that J&K is totally an integral part of India officially but due to some external hindrance, turmoil has been created. It is for sure that article 370 and 35-A means a lot for the people around there but they should accept it that it was of a temporary basis till the issue gets resolved. We can clearly see that issue will never be resolved and moreover, it got more worsened by the inclusion of China in that area. The special provisions provided to J&K was making a tough condition for Indian government to administer the area and were unable to control the terrorist entrance and many other problems. It may be a sentimental decision to remove both articles but as per my perspective, it was necessary. 

 On August 5, 2019, both articles were removed by ordinance and later by passing a resolution.  The decision of providing article 370 and 35-A was till the plebiscite is done but it has been more than 70 years and there were no solutions found so the government took the action against it. As for now, the government knows that the issue is unresolvable and no possibilities of plebiscite so, there is no importance of Articles provided as special provisions.

On the contrary, it has been one year since the Article 370 and 35-A got removed. The articles were removed on the basis to make J&K socially and economically developed but ground reality seems different. As after abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A J&K was divided into two union territories, one being J&K and other being Ladakh. In J&K since the abrogation of the article, there has been partial or full lockdown with no access to the internet. We all have been facing lockdown and we all know how it feels but guess how difficult it would be with no internet access.  In recent days 2G internet facility has been provided but there is no rhythm to keep the ban on 4G internet.

The government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and 35-A  gave the ray of hope for people residing in J&K with the generation of employment, upliftment of social and economic status. This hopes now merely seems just as a fake promise that is not been fulfill.  There is the various report that shows the decreasing employment and tourism revenue due to partial or full lockdown in J&K after the abolition of Article 370 and 35-A. The government of India should act gently against it but it was seen the contrary. As per my perspective government should act gently in J&K and earn empathy of people by showing the real faith. I don’t mean showing fake hopes but actually implementing them, this will be good for both people of J&K and India.

 (If you think some information are missing then please let me know because I am a neophyte so I may have missed some)

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(Thank You !!! Peace Out !!! Stay Safe !!!)

CORONAVIRUS ( COVID-19): THE PANDEMIC

 

Coronaviruses are the RNA viruses that cause diseases in animals including human beings. The first coronavirus was discovered in the 1930s but in animals and in the 1960s it was first time discovered in human beings. The new coronavirus or termed as a noble coronavirus (COVID-19) also belongs to the same corona family. The noble coronavirus (COVID-19) has originated from the wet market of the Wuhan province of China where the animals were slaughtered and sold for food and medicine purposes. Scientists discovered many theories i.e it may have come from bats or maybe from snake or pangolins. In recent, there was a leak of Five Eye Dossier Report from Australia which lists the details that the viruses are mutated at Wuhan Institute of Virology but they have not confirmed it that COVID-19 was also one of them for now.

Coronavirus mainly causes flu-like symptoms i.e common cold, headache, and mild illness in early stages whereas in later stages it can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) or middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) which affects the respiratory system of human beings and it may also cause the failure of different body organs as well lead to death. The symptom occurrence can vary between one day to fourteen days or in some cases there is asymptomatic i.e no symptoms shown or pre-symptomatic i.e shows symptoms after a few days but doesn’t show in early days. The recent report from WHO shows that 80% of cases are asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, or having mild symptoms which is an alarming situation. In India now the community transfer of virus has taken place and failure of the government to curb in early-stage should be blamed for this. The government of India took two month period of lockdown as granted and after the spreading took in community-level then the government started working on health facilities but that was too late.

There are many silent spreaders i.e asymptomatic patients who are wandering like a free bird and transferring the disease to others. To notice silent spreaders, testing of the wide population must be carried which is almost an impossible task in India because of its high population. At the village level, though people are having symptoms don’t prefer testing for corona because in village corona patient are treated like an alien and people act harshly on them. So, in village level awareness campaigns about the coronavirus and gentleness against corona patients must be run. Moreover, there must be a provision of assistance to corona patients as they will be quarantined for at least 14 days or even more days. The assistance of providing food supplies at their doors and along with all other necessities.

(It is now old but there are many people who have no information about it so sharing it)

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NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY (NEP) 2020

 

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”, quoted by Winston Churchill states that a change is always required for the constant improvement. New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is that change which will give an impetus to the education system of India that has been lasting since 1986. The NEP has been changed only three times, first was in 1968, second was in 1986 and now the third one is 2020. Previously, NEP was based on 10+2 schooling system but in the latest one it is going to be 5+3+3+4 system which is similar to other foreign countries like USA, UK, Germany, etc. This new education policy is going to be a gateway for good and efficacious education and practical knowledge for the students.

The 5+3+3+4 system is 5 years for the foundation stage that is 3-years for pre-primary school and 2-years for Class 1 and 2, 3 years will be for the preparatory stage that is Class 3 to 5. Further, 3 years will be for the middle stage that is Class 6 to 8, and the last 4 years will be for the secondary stage that is Class 9 to 12. Previously students were allowed to choose their subjects after Class 10 but now they will be able to choose the subjects after Class 8 and will also be allowed to opt subject as per their preference. As per NEP 2020 now students after Class 5 will have compulsory skill development classes and vocational training along with compulsory coding classes. The assessment system will be changed and students along with their teachers and friends will evaluate the performance according to NEP 2020. This is the best change that is going to be because previously due to lack of these methods there used to occur animosity among friends and with teachers. The NEP 2020 will give the preferences to practical knowledge rather than rot learning which is devasting and backlashing for the education system.

There have also been significant changes for the college system that is now students will have “Multiple Entry and Exit Option” which is the best part of the policy for college students. This option will help the college students to complete their degree with the flexibility of time duration and can also change the course after one year if they are not interested anymore. There will be now 3 years and 4 year graduation period. The student who wants a job can opt for a 3-year program and those who want to continue in the research field can opt for a 4-year program.

The NEP 2020 is overall a perfect change that will be beneficial for the education system in India but after its implementation. Every coin has its opposite side and similarly, in NEP 2020 there is some criticism. Three language policy is highly opposed by the southern states as they only speak two languages one their native language and other is English. Many people also oppose that its implementation will be too difficult. I too believe it will be difficult because in India the number of teachers is far less than what is required and all are not acquainted with good practical knowledge. The government has so planned to make training centers and make the teachers a respected job in the coming future which is a positive change.  Coming to the conclusion, NEP 2020 is laudable but the government should focus on its implementation as soon as possible with great efforts.

DATA PRIVACY

 

“Data” means and includes representation of information, facts, instructions, opinions, or concepts in a manner suitable for communication, interpretation or processing by humans or by automated means. In the era of 21^st century “Data” is termed as a “Digital gold” or a “New oil”.

Every application, software, sites we use records our data and store them on their database for future reference, the data may be of any type of personal data, sensitive data, or other means of data. Axiom, an American company claims that it has collected data of  10% of the total population worldwide. After the scandal of Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica, concerns about the privacy of data raised all over the world. Cambridge Analytica was using the data provided by Facebook to politically influence the people and it was carried without concerns of the user.

The data collected  by different companies are either sold to third party companies or they use it for their own purposes, but there are many cases found where these data has been mishandled or used for some political, religious benefits by influencing the users. Thus, the privacy for data is required so that none can use it without the user’s permission. But we often do mistakes to agree on sites, application over their terms and condition without going through it and allow all the permissions to access which helps them to gather every possible data user has.

It may seem simple, but these data can create great turbulence if misused. So, better not to provide the data which can create havoc in the future. People these days have become social media freak which leads to more leaks of personal data that can lead to unprecedented conditions as we know the cases of photo morphing, theft of account balance, sharing of malcontents and it goes on if listed.

It is not only the government policy that can help to protect our data but users should also be aware of it and should be able to procrastinate damages that can be done. After Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica Scandal leads the government of different countries to bring the law against data protection. So for the same in India Personal Data Protection Bill was passed in 2019, which included personal data and sensitive data to be stored within the Indian territory.  In the end, try to avoid allowing the sites, application for collection of data and be sure to read the terms and conditions though it seems to be boring.

 

 

 

SCIENTIFIC AND SPIRITUALITY CONNECTIONS (Why we should not eat food, drink or go out of room during the Solar Eclipse)

Eclipse is the celestial phenomenon in which the Sun, Moon, and Earth align themselves in such a way that the light from the sun reaches in lesser quantity to the Earth. When the moon aligns in with Earth in such a way that it obscures the light of the Sun reaching the Earth, it is termed as Solar eclipse. Similarly, when the Earth aligns in with Moon in such a way that it obscures the light of the Sun reaching the Moon, it is termed as Lunar Eclipse.

Everything in the universe has some connections to one another, like the tide formation by Moon’s the gravitational force on Earth, the Magnetic field of the Earth, and many more similar phenomena. This is termed as the string theory by scientists. Similar to these there is Butterfly Effect which was coined a 50 years ago tells that about sensitive dependence of small changes which can result in larger differences. For example “the flapping of butterflies in North America can cause a tornado in South America.” As the gravitational force of Moon creates movement in the sea, the same way there can be internal movement of food and water inside our body which is not good for health but it may not be ghastly. This same knowledge is given through spirituality but in some other ways.

During the Solar Eclipse, Sunlight from the Sun doesn’t reach to the Earth for some period of time. Due to this, the growth of bacteria increases tremendously, the human immunity system gets disturbed or decreased. These are the reason behind not eating food or drinking water because bacteria on it becomes high on a number which can make us ill. Similarly, we are restricted to go out of room or bathroom for excretion during the Solar Eclipse, it is all because of bacteria formation increases. We are also suggested to bath as the Solar Eclipse is over, for these similar reasons.

From a scientific point of view, during the Solar Eclipse, the magnetic field of the earth is disturbed which in terms affects our mind. From a spiritual point of view during this time the meditation can be carried out and it will be more lucid as compare to other normal days. So, there are a lot of Scientific and Spiritual connections in the world, Spirituality gives us facts whereas Science helps to approve it.

MEDITATION

“The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you.” Modern age philosopher and spiritual leader Osho quote “ No meditation, No life. Know meditation, Know Life.” It is self-explicable from the quote. The negative effects of stress are unavoidable in this modern era where people have forgotten the way to live their life. They struggle or run for worldly goals (wealth, possessions, image, and status) which fuels the stress every day.

Meditation is a discipline to control the mind, not to think anything and it is the best way to master over the mind. It is our mind which controls us but if one starts controlling it then he/she will be able to remove the thoughts which are negative, stressful, and increase the self-consciousness. The roots of meditation are found in many religions, mostly in Hinduism and Buddhism for more than 1,000 years. The techniques of meditation have been scientifically proven to be the best way to reduce the negative effects of stress thereby uniting the mind and body together to give a sense of better living.

Daily 10-15 minutes of meditation practices can bring many positive results in the lives of the people. The best part is that it can be practiced anytime and anywhere but in a quiet place. As one gets familiar with meditation then the changes one can sense positive changes in all the aspects, become calm, lucid, and clear.

“Meditation is a vital way to purify and quiet the mind, thus rejuvenating the body.” Everyone on earth has forgotten the way of living, they are so busy in achieving the materialistic goals that they don’t have time for their inner-selves. Therefore, meditation can be the best way to rejuvenate the life and give a kickstart by giving time to ourselves for at least 10 minutes a day.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media are the computerized technology that enables people to meet at one place virtually, share contents, ideas, news, business attributes, to connect with the customer, and it can be used for copious of other requirements. It resonated around the early 2000s and reached its breakthrough in 2004. There are bountiful of social media websites and apps available through the internet. In the world of social media, users are onus to differentiate the negative and positive use of it.

Social media are the easiest and convenient technique to get connected to the world in one click. The foremost advantage of social is that we can connect to family, friends, and any people around the world from any place and at any time. It can be used emphatically for various purposes such as for spreading awareness about social issues, news, business forums as it is the fastest medium to reach among millions of people in just microseconds. The connection between teacher and student, government and people, business forums, and customers can be accustomed via social media platforms.

“Every coin has its heads and tails”. There is a lot of impairment of social media too. In the latest era, it has been regarded as a matter of existence in the world. The user around the world makes use of it in the wrong way like for sharing malcontents, carrying illicit businesses, threatening purposes, raising terrorism and communalism, etc. In this century the infants and adults have been attracted to it which is one of the greatest impairments. Many types of research also stated that using social media in copious causes anxiety, mental weakness, and sleeping problems. The digital world has always terrorized the privacy of users, there are many such social media sites and apps which make the use of user’s privacy and misuses it.

Social media has all the contents and malcontents available in it so it depends on the user how they maneuver it. If social media is used shrewdly then it will act as a boon otherwise there is always lies the contradicts. “ Everything in limit tastes good” so using social media should also be limited and should be always used for good deeds.