Pasighat, Mar 17: The Department of Sociology at Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat organised an awareness programme titled “Social Media and the Reality Crisis: Understanding the Impact of Digital Deception” at its campus.
The programme aimed to equip students with critical thinking skills to navigate misinformation and the growing influence of digital platforms.
Head of Department Tobom Lollen, in her welcome address, stressed the importance of understanding the sociology of the internet in today’s digital age.
Keynote speaker Tamin Mili highlighted how digital platforms shape perceptions of reality, explaining concepts like hyperreality and the role of algorithms in creating echo chambers.
Dr DP Panda, IQAC Coordinator, described social media as a “double-edged sword” and urged students to verify information before sharing. Vice Principal Dr. Leki Sitang cautioned against overdependence on AI and social media, noting its impact on experiential learning.
The technical session was led by Dr Kombong Darang of Arunachal Pradesh University Pasighat, who discussed misinformation, deepfakes, and AI-generated content. He warned that unchecked digital deception can lead to political polarisation, social conflict, and mental health challenges among youth.
He concluded by emphasising digital literacy, urging students to verify information through credible sources and adopt responsible online behaviour.