SONGSOPTOK : The internet revolution has
deeply impacted our modern society that can be compared to the discovery of
electricity. Today we can’t think of the internet without the social media.
When and how did you first discover the social media?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: I may not agree that internet can be compared
to electricity or we cannot think about the internet without the social media,
but coming to the point of your question, my answer would be that I first
started blogging in the usenet may be about 20 years back. I was member of
several groups both professional and cultural.
SONGSOPTOK : As far as interpersonal
relationships are concerned, the power of the social media today is undeniable,
allowing us to communicate in real time across the globe. What is your opinion
about this? What are its advantages & disadvantages?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: I agree, I don’t have time to either call or email and stay in touch with
my friends individually. Facebook is a very efficient way of keeping in touch
with the world as well as the friends.
SONGSOPTOK : We have noticed that social
media has become a powerful vector for personal expression and creativity,
because we no longer need the approval or approbation to publish. Our
creativity has found a new channel for addressing a global audience. What is
your opinion about this?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: Agree. But it has more to do with the internet in general that just with
the social media.
SONGSOPTOK : In this context, it is also
true that any and everybody today can claim to be a writer, a poet, or an
artist on any number of social media. We no longer have a standard for
appreciating true talent – a role that was played by editors or different types
of experts. What is you point of view? Do you think that the power of social
media have served to create more charlatans than proper artists?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: Even if it is available to everyone, not everyone aspires to be an artist
or a poet. Even among my friend circle, very few, perhaps only a handful would
create something and share with the
rest.
SONGSOPTOK : Would you say that the social
media has contributed to bringing societies and cultures across the globe
closer? If not, what can be done to make it a more powerful tool?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: Don’t agree. We still mix with our own kind. There are people who are not
in the social media by choice. They completely fall out from the mind of people
who use social media.
SONGSOPTOK : Would you say that in general
the users of social media are actually aware of its potential, both in the
positive and negative sense? In other words, do you think that the average user
is aware of the possible reach of social media and the consequences it may
have? What is your own experience?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: I disagree. There are a lot of misconceptions
about the social media. Some are too awry about it and some take it that they
can share anything or everything on the social media. In general, everyone
follows some of his or her standards. But the standards vary widely.
SONGSOPTOK : Social media is often
considered to be a true reflection of human society. What is your opinion? How
would you evaluate the image you see today in the context of the society you
live in? How true or false is the reflection?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: Absolutely disagree. The persona of any individual in the social media
are often very different from his/her own self, so talking about the society is
like the description of elephant by three blind men.
SONGSOPTOK : The advent and the
trivialization of social media is today’s society seem to be have erased the
difference between virtual and real. Would you agree? What is you own
experience?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: Again completely disagree. See my
comment above.
SONGSOPTOK : In your opinion, has social
media contributed to breaking down of traditional rules of social
relationships? In what way? How would you analyze the impact of social media in
this context?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: Don’t agree. We still mix with our own kind
even on the social medial.
SONGSOPTOK : Do you believe that social
media can play a constructive role for world peace and unity? Or on the
contrary play a totally negative role by fueling existing conflicts between
nations and communities?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: Yes for both the questions. It is a tool,
which can be and being used in any way people want.
SONGSOPTOK : How effective can be the role
of social media as a tool of protest and action against all sorts of social
ills and injustices?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: It has already proven to be a very powerful
tool of protests.
SONGSOPTOK : Lastly, we would like to know
the impact of social media, if any, in your own life. What kind of journey has
it been? What are your own expectations about the evolution of social media?
MAHARAJ MUKHERJEE: It has as I had mentioned increased my
efficiency in keeping in touch with my friends and family, giving me more time
for other things. So I would say that it has a positive impact.
MAHARAJ
MUKHERJEE: is a
research scientist and "master inventor" with IBM Corporation and
lives in New York.
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