In addition to its use as an effective means of communication, the versatility of social media—probably the most salient technological development of recent times—has gradually increased its popularity over the years. But while it has been instrumental in the emergence of numerous new cultures, the use of social media has also posed a number of threats to individuals, societies, countries, and the world as a whole. It has been revealed through various literature reviews that no specific research has been done before on social media regarding its ability to simultaneously create new cultures and new threats. Therefore, the current research was conducted among university-level students in Bangladesh keeping this issue in mind. The study was designed in light of an appropriate theoretical framework, and as part of the quantitative method, an online survey was carried out to collect data from 217 university students who are studying at different public and private universities in the country. Besides, case studies were administered to 20 students for in-depth understanding. Findings uncovered that most romantic relationships formed through social media are problematic and many people have had bad experiences with such relationships. Most participants are victims of cyberstalking and varied forms of harassment and social stigma. In spite of being an epoch-making medium for education, its use is also responsible for the poor academic performance of many students, and despite its emergence as a new platform for journalism, social media has boosted yellow journalism as well. While its use in product marketing has grown exponentially and shown considerable positive impact, consumer fraud has also become common. Furthermore, although the number of social media entrepreneurs is constantly increasing and many are succeeding, the number of failures is not insignificant. It is evident from the research that the negative impact of social media use is expanding day by day in new directions, and it is urgent to ensure its proper use for the greater good.
In Bangladesh, microcredit program has been in function for almost half a century. Though popularly termed as a tool for poverty alleviation and women empowerment, criticism about microcredit program's actual effectiveness isn't new. This study attempts to evaluate the impact of such programs by measuring borrowers' social mobility. Using a multidimensional approach, different associated indicators were taken into account for measurement. Quantitative method was used. Based on a non-probability sampling, 107 microcredit borrowers were selected for conducting interview schedules. Statistical analysis of data reveals that those who have been taking loans for several number of years have all managed to increase their income level to a variety of extent, but only those have gained some sort of mobility who have been taking loans for more than 4 -5 years and have taken 5 times or more. Few of them have actually moved from microcredit to become a microfinance client by taking bigger amount of loans and having savings. Positive responses about the indicators being used in the study were found among the handful of those who have mobilized significantly. In true sense, most of the borrowers are stuck at the bottom end of socio-economic ladder and are struggling to manage a better living standard.
Background: Street children are exposed to the harshest of living experience. They start experiencing the cruelest form of life from an age when they are supposed to be raised amidst nothing but care and love. Aims: This study attempts to understand the lived experience of street-working children, the daily challenges they face, their coping strategies, and the social network they maintain for a living. Methodology: Using a quantitative, and to some extent, ethnographic method, a sample of 110 street-working children aged 5-15 years was drawn from Dhaka University campus and surrounding areas: Shahbag, New Market, Chankharpool and Ramna in Dhaka city. A structured questionnaire with a series of close-ended questions was used for interview schedules. Results: Analysis of data revealed that most of the children came to Dhaka in pursuit of a better living standard. They are mostly engaged in flower, water or chocolate-selling. The amount of their daily earnings is very low and is hardly enough to manage three meals a day. Most of them sleep on the pavements and those places are not even fixed. They keep changing places depending on wherever they find a place. Sleeping on filthy places under open sky, no wonder they suffer from different skin diseases and are vulnerable to various other diseases. They live through continuous change of coping strategies. Their parents, siblings, relatives and peer groups are at the center of their social network relying on which they survive in the city. Conclusion: To put it simply, sufferings of street-working children know no bounds. They fight much more hardship than we can even imagine from the outside.
In Bangladesh, microcredit program has been in function for almost half a century. Though popularly termed as a tool for poverty alleviation and women empowerment, criticism about microcredit program’s actual effectiveness isn’t new. This study attempts to evaluate the impact of such programs by measuring borrowers’ social mobility. Using a multidimensional approach, indicators like household income, economic susceptibility, living conditions, consumption pattern, children’s education, healthcare facilities, women’s participation in decision-making were taken into account for measurement. Quantitative method was used. Based on a non-probability sampling, 107 microcredit borrowers were selected for conducting interview schedules who live in a rural, a semi-urban and an urban area. Statistical analysis of data reveals that those who have been taking loans for several number of years have all managed to increase their income level to a variety of extent, but only those have gained some sort of mobility who have been taking loans for more than 4-5 years and have taken 5 times or more. Few of them have actually moved from microcredit to become a microfinance client by taking bigger amount of loans and having savings. Positive responses about the indicators being used in the study were found among the handful of those who have mobilized significantly. In true sense, most of the borrowers are stuck at the bottom end of socio-economic ladder and are struggling to manage a better living standard.
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