Technology Explained

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2024

Levi Klein

Reviewed
By Marek Dudas

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful force, profoundly influencing various facets of our lives. Among its many impacts, its role in shaping public opinion stands out as particularly significant. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become arenas where ideas are exchanged, opinions are formed, and public discourse is shaped. This article explores the multifaceted role of social media in shaping public opinion, examining its mechanisms, benefits, challenges, and implications for society.

Mechanisms of Influence

Information Dissemination

One of the primary ways social media shapes public opinion is through the rapid dissemination of information. Unlike traditional media, which often has a gatekeeping role, social media allows anyone with an internet connection to share information instantly. This democratization of information means that news, whether verified or not, can reach a vast audience in a matter of seconds.

Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles

Social media algorithms are designed to enhance user engagement by tailoring content to individual preferences. While this can make the user experience more enjoyable, it also leads to the creation of echo chambers and filter bubbles. Echo chambers are environments where individuals are exposed only to information and opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs. Filter bubbles result from algorithms that selectively present information based on a user’s previous interactions. Both phenomena can significantly influence public opinion by limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.

Viral Trends and Hashtags

Hashtags and viral trends are another mechanism through which social media shapes public opinion. A single tweet or post can go viral, reaching millions of users and sparking widespread discussion. Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike have galvanized public opinion on critical social issues, leading to real-world activism and policy changes.

Influencers and Thought Leaders

Influencers and thought leaders wield considerable power on social media platforms. These individuals, who often have large followings, can sway public opinion through their endorsements, opinions, and actions. Whether they are celebrities, activists, or subject matter experts, their influence can be profound, shaping public discourse and opinion on a wide range of topics.

social media and artificial intelligence

Image by Yandex.com

Benefits of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion

Increased Awareness and Engagement

Social media has made it easier for people to stay informed about current events and social issues. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide real-time updates, enabling users to follow developments as they happen. This increased awareness can lead to greater civic engagement and participation in public discourse.

Amplification of Marginalized Voices

Social media has given a platform to voices that might otherwise be marginalized in traditional media. Activists, minority groups, and grassroots organizations can use social media to raise awareness about issues that affect them, mobilize support, and advocate for change. This democratization of voice has led to greater inclusivity in public discourse.

Rapid Mobilization and Collective Action

The ability to quickly disseminate information and mobilize people is one of social media’s most powerful aspects. Movements like the Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, and various climate strikes have demonstrated how social media can be used to organize protests, rallies, and other forms of collective action. This rapid mobilization can lead to significant social and political change.

Challenges and Risks

Misinformation and Fake News

One of the most significant challenges posed by social media is the spread of misinformation and fake news. The rapid dissemination of unverified or false information can shape public opinion in harmful ways, leading to confusion, fear, and even violence. The algorithms that prioritize engagement over accuracy can exacerbate this issue, making it difficult for users to distinguish between credible and unreliable sources.

Polarization and Division

The echo chambers and filter bubbles created by social media algorithms can contribute to increased polarization and division within society. When individuals are only exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, it can reinforce biases and deepen ideological divides. This polarization can hinder constructive dialogue and compromise, making it more challenging to address complex social issues.

Privacy Concerns

The collection and use of personal data by social media platforms raise significant privacy concerns. Information about users’ preferences, behaviors, and interactions can be used to target them with specific content, potentially manipulating their opinions and behaviors. The lack of transparency around data collection and usage practices has led to growing concerns about the ethical implications of social media’s influence on public opinion.

Implications for Society

The Role of Education

Given the significant influence of social media on public opinion, there is a growing need for education around digital literacy. Teaching individuals how to critically evaluate information, recognize biases, and identify credible sources is essential for fostering informed public discourse. Educational initiatives should also address the ethical use of social media and the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives.

Regulatory Considerations

The challenges posed by social media have led to calls for greater regulation of these platforms. Policymakers are grappling with how to balance the need for free expression with the need to prevent the spread of harmful content. Potential regulatory measures include stricter requirements for transparency around data usage, enhanced content moderation practices, and measures to combat misinformation. However, finding the right balance between regulation and freedom of expression remains a complex and contentious issue.

The Future of Public Discourse

As social media continues to evolve, its role in shaping public opinion will likely become even more pronounced. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality could further transform how information is disseminated and consumed. These developments present both opportunities and challenges for public discourse. While they have the potential to enhance engagement and inclusivity, they also raise new ethical and regulatory considerations that must be carefully navigated.

Conclusion

Social media has fundamentally transformed the landscape of public opinion. Its ability to rapidly disseminate information, amplify marginalized voices, and mobilize collective action has had profound implications for society. However, the challenges posed by misinformation, polarization, and privacy concerns highlight the need for a nuanced and informed approach to navigating this digital landscape. As we move forward, fostering digital literacy, considering regulatory measures, and engaging with diverse perspectives will be essential for ensuring that social media serves as a force for positive social change.

Author

Levi Klein

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Development

Enhancing Mapping Accuracy with LiDAR Ground Control Targets

Published

4 days ago

January 30, 2026

Adam57

In geospatial data collection, surveyors use LiDAR ground control targets as vital tools that enhance the accuracy of aerial surveys and mapping projects. Whether they apply this technology in environmental monitoring, urban planning, or construction, users know that LiDAR produces highly detailed, precise models of the Earth’s surface.

However, to maximize this accuracy, integrating ground control targets into the process is essential. In this article, we’ll explore what LiDAR ground control targets are, why practitioners consider them important, and how they contribute to more accurate mapping.

What Are LiDAR Ground Control Targets?

Surveyors place LiDAR ground control targets as physical reference points on the ground during a LiDAR survey. These targets serve as georeferenced markers that allow surveyors to align LiDAR data with real-world coordinates. Typically, surveyors position these targets in visible locations that the LiDAR sensor mounted on the drone or aircraft can clearly detect.

Surveyors use different types of ground control targets, including reflective targets, painted markers, and geodetic targets. The choice of type depends on factors such as the survey’s scale, the required accuracy, and the terrain they survey.

How Do LiDAR Ground Control Targets Work?

LiDAR technology uses laser pulses to scan the ground and capture a wide range of data, including elevation, shape, and distance. However, the data collected by LiDAR sensors needs to be aligned with real-world coordinates to ensure its accuracy. This is where LiDAR ground control targets come in.

Georeferencing LiDAR Data

When LiDAR sensors capture data, they record it as a point cloud, an array of data points representing the Earth’s surface. To make sense of these data points, surveyors need to assign them precise coordinates. Ground control targets provide reference points, allowing surveyors to georeference point cloud data and ensure that LiDAR data aligns with existing maps and models.

By placing LiDAR ground control targets at specific locations on the survey site, surveyors can perform adjustments to correct discrepancies in the data caused by factors such as sensor calibration, flight altitude, or atmospheric conditions.

Why Are LiDAR Ground Control Targets Essential for Accurate Mapping?

LiDAR technology is incredibly powerful, but the accuracy of the data depends largely on the quality of the ground control points used. Here are the key reasons why LiDAR ground control targets are essential for obtaining precise mapping results:

1. Improved Geospatial Accuracy

Without ground control targets, LiDAR data is essentially “floating” in space, meaning its position isn’t aligned with real-world coordinates. This can lead to errors and inaccuracies in the final map or model. By placing LiDAR ground control targets at known geographic coordinates, surveyors can calibrate the LiDAR data and improve its geospatial accuracy.

For large projects or those involving multiple data sources, ensuring that LiDAR data is properly georeferenced is critical. Ground control targets help ensure the survey data integrates seamlessly with other geographic information systems (GIS) or mapping platforms.

2. Reduction of Measurement Errors

LiDAR ground control targets help mitigate errors caused by various factors, such as:

Sensor misalignment: Minor inaccuracies in the LiDAR sensor’s position or angle can cause discrepancies in the data.
Aircraft or drone movement can slightly distort the sensor’s collected data.
Environmental conditions: Weather, temperature, and atmospheric pressure can all affect the LiDAR signal.

By using ground control targets, surveyors can compensate for these errors, leading to more precise and reliable data.

3. Support for Large-Scale Projects

For larger mapping projects, multiple LiDAR scans might be conducted from different flight paths or at different times. Ground control targets serve as common reference points, ensuring that all collected data can be merged into a single coherent model. This is particularly useful for projects involving vast areas like forests, mountain ranges, or large urban developments.

How to Choose the Right LiDAR Ground Control Targets

Choosing the right LiDAR ground control targets depends on several factors, including the project’s size, the terrain, and the required accuracy. Here are some things to consider:

Size and Visibility

The size of the target should be large enough to be easily detectable by the LiDAR sensor from the air. Targets that are too small or poorly placed can lead to inaccurate data or missed targets.

Material and Durability

Ground control targets must have enough durability to withstand weather conditions and remain stable throughout the surveying process. Surveyors often use reflective materials to ensure that the LiDAR sensor can clearly detect the target, even from a distance.

Geospatial Accuracy

For high-accuracy projects, surveyors must place ground control targets at precise, known locations with accurate geospatial coordinates. They should use a GPS or GNSS system to measure and mark the exact position of the targets.

Conclusion

LiDAR ground control targets play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy of aerial surveys and LiDAR mapping projects. By providing precise reference points for geo referencing and adjusting LiDAR data, these targets reduce errors and improve the overall quality of the final model. Whether you’re working on a small-scale project or a large-scale survey, integrating ground control targets into your LiDAR workflow is essential for achieving high-precision results.

The right ground control targets, when placed correctly and properly measured, can make the difference between reliable, actionable data and inaccurate measurements that undermine the entire survey.

By understanding the importance of these targets and how they function in the context of LiDAR surveys, you’ll be better prepared to tackle projects that demand accuracy and precision.

Author

Adam57

View all posts

Digital Development

Scalable Web Application Development: Strategies for Growth

Published

6 days ago

January 28, 2026

Kanhasoft

Growth sounds exciting until systems start creaking under pressure. Many businesses experience this moment right after success shows up more users, more data, more “quick fixes” quietly holding everything together.

This is where web application development stops being a technical choice and becomes a strategic one. Scalable web applications create structure amid growth, replacing fragile workflows with flexible systems built to evolve.

Business scalability isn’t about guessing the future; it’s about preparing for it. A well-designed web application ensures growth feels intentional, not chaotic and that’s a difference leaders notice fast.

Understanding Business Scalability (Without the Buzzwords)

Scalability simply means handling growth without breaking what already works. More customers shouldn’t slow systems down, and increased data shouldn’t create confusion. True scalability supports growth in users, operations, revenue, and decision-making—simultaneously.

Many businesses grow in size but not in structure, leading to inefficiencies that quietly drain momentum. Scalable businesses anticipate change rather than react to it. Web applications enable this by offering centralized access, consistent performance, and flexible architecture. When scalability is baked in early, growth feels smoother and far less stressful than expected.

Why Traditional Software Fails at Scale

Legacy software often works well—until it doesn’t. Desktop tools, spreadsheets, and rigid systems struggle once teams expand or workflows become complex. Updates take longer, integrations break, and manual work multiplies.

What once felt efficient slowly becomes an obstacle. Traditional software rarely adapts gracefully to modern demands like remote access, real-time collaboration, or data-driven decisions. Businesses then rely on patches rather than solutions.

Web applications solve this by design, offering accessibility, adaptability, and centralized control—without the constant fear of outgrowing the tools that once felt “good enough.”

Role of Web Application Development in Scalability

Web application development provides the foundation for sustainable growth. Unlike static systems, web apps evolve alongside business needs. Features can be added incrementally, performance can scale with demand, and user access remains consistent across locations.

A reliable Web Application Development Company builds architecture that supports future expansion instead of limiting it. Modular design, secure data handling, and cloud readiness allow businesses to scale without disruption. Growth no longer requires replacing systems—it simply extends them. That flexibility turns web applications into long-term business assets, not short-term technical solutions.

Cloud-Based Web Apps: Scale Without Panic

Cloud infrastructure removes many traditional growth barriers. Resources expand automatically as demand increases, preventing performance dips during traffic spikes or seasonal surges. Storage, processing power, and availability scale seamlessly without costly hardware upgrades.

Cloud-based web applications also support remote teams and global users without added complexity. Costs remain predictable, aligned with actual usage instead of guesswork. Businesses gain resilience along with flexibility, ensuring growth moments feel manageable rather than overwhelming. With cloud-backed web applications, scaling becomes a controlled process—not an emergency response.

How an AI-Powered Web App Accelerates Growth

An AI-Powered Web App brings intelligence into scalability. Automation reduces manual effort as operations expand, while predictive analytics anticipate demand and performance needs. AI-driven personalization improves user engagement even as customer bases grow larger.

Decision-making becomes faster, guided by real-time insights instead of assumptions. These applications learn continuously, improving efficiency over time rather than adding complexity. Growth doesn’t require proportional increases in effort or staffing. Instead, AI-enhanced systems handle scale quietly in the background, allowing teams to focus on strategy instead of operational strain.

Custom Web Applications vs SaaS Tools

SaaS tools offer speed, but customization often hits a ceiling. Businesses adapt their workflows to the software instead of the other way around. Custom web applications align precisely with internal processes, supporting scalability without compromise. Data ownership, tailored features, and seamless integrations offer long-term value beyond subscription convenience.

As businesses mature, flexibility becomes more valuable than quick deployment. Custom solutions grow alongside operations, avoiding costly migrations later. Choosing custom web development often reflects a shift from short-term efficiency to long-term scalability and control.

Security and Compliance at Scale

Growth increases responsibility—especially around data. As user numbers rise, so do security risks and compliance requirements. Scalable web applications embed security into their architecture rather than layering it on later. Role-based access, encrypted data handling, and audit-ready systems protect both users and businesses.

Regulatory compliance becomes easier when systems are designed for transparency and control. Strong security practices build trust, which becomes increasingly valuable as visibility grows. Scalability without security isn’t progress—it’s exposure waiting to happen.

Integration Power: Scaling an Entire Ecosystem

Businesses rarely operate on a single platform. CRMs, ERPs, payment systems, and analytics tools must communicate seamlessly. Web applications act as the central connector, eliminating data silos and manual transfers. A capable Web Application ensures integrations remain stable as systems expand.

Scalable integrations improve efficiency across departments while maintaining data accuracy. When applications work together, growth feels coordinated instead of fragmented. Integration-driven scalability allows businesses to expand operations without multiplying complexity behind the scenes.

Performance Optimization for High-Growth Businesses

Performance directly affects user trust. Slow load times or frequent downtime become more noticeable as traffic increases. Scalable web applications prioritize optimization through caching, load balancing, and efficient architecture. These measures ensure consistent performance regardless of user volume.

Growth shouldn’t degrade experience—it should enhance it. High-performing systems support confidence, credibility, and retention. Performance optimization isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for businesses expecting sustained growth. Reliable applications quietly support expansion while users simply enjoy smooth interactions.

Real-World Examples of Scalable Web Applications

Many successful businesses didn’t start with massive systems—they grew into them. Early-stage web applications designed with scalability in mind adapt more easily to success. Features expand, integrations deepen, and data volumes increase without disrupting operations.

Teams avoid painful rebuilds because the foundation supports evolution. Growth brings challenges, but scalable systems prevent those challenges from becoming crises. Real-world scalability often looks boring on the surface—and that’s exactly the point. Stability behind growth is the ultimate success indicator.

Choosing the Right Development Partner

Scalability depends as much on mindset as technology. The right partner designs for future needs, not just immediate requirements. Experience with architecture planning, performance optimization, and App development matters. Strong partners ask strategic questions early, preventing costly adjustments later.

Collaboration extends beyond launch into continuous improvement. Businesses benefit most from development teams that understand growth patterns, not just code execution. Choosing wisely ensures scalability feels intentional rather than reactive.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Scalability

Many scalability issues begin with short-term thinking. Building only for current needs limits future flexibility. Overcomplicated designs slow growth, while ignoring performance early creates hidden bottlenecks. Another common mistake involves delaying security until problems arise.

Scalability requires balance—simple where possible, robust where necessary. Web applications thrive when architecture supports change rather than resisting it. Avoiding these mistakes early saves time, cost, and frustration later, making growth far more sustainable.

Conclusion

Scalability rarely happens by accident. Businesses that grow smoothly invest early in systems designed to evolve. Web application development provides the flexibility, performance, and control needed to support long-term expansion. With the right architecture and development approach, growth becomes manageable rather than chaotic.

Partnering with a reliable Web Application Development ensures technology supports ambition instead of limiting it. Scalability isn’t about chasing growth—it’s about being ready when growth arrives.

FAQs

What makes a web application scalable?

Scalability comes from modular architecture, cloud infrastructure, performance optimization, and secure data handling that supports growth without disruption.

How does web application development support business growth?

Web applications streamline operations, automate workflows, and adapt to increasing demand while maintaining consistent performance.

Is custom web application development expensive?

Initial investment may be higher, but long-term ROI often outweighs recurring costs and limitations of generic solutions.

When should a business invest in scalable web applications?

Early planning is ideal, but any growth-stage business benefits from scalability-focused development.

Can AI improve web application scalability?

Yes, AI enables automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent resource management.

Author

Kanhasoft

Kanhasoft is one of the leading Custom Software Development companies, specializing in Web and Mobile App development and AI-driven solutions. We deliver successful projects worldwide, including CRM Development, ERP Systems, Amazon Seller Tools, and powerful Web & Mobile Applications tailored to business needs. View all posts

Consumer Services

Cloud Downtime: Essential for Infrastructure Management

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2026

hadiaali

Downtime never comes with a warning. It doesn’t care if you’re launching a feature, running a campaign, or sleeping peacefully. It just shows up — and when it does, the damage goes far beyond a broken dashboard.

I’ve seen teams lose users, revenue, and confidence within minutes of an outage. What’s frustrating is this: most downtime isn’t caused by the cloud itself. It’s caused by how the cloud is managed. That’s where cloud downtime infrastructure management stops being a technical checkbox and becomes a business-critical discipline.

Downtime Is a Management Failure, Not a Cloud Failure

AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are built for resilience. They fail occasionally — yes — but widespread outages usually trace back to internal issues like:

No proper load balancing or failover
Systems not designed for traffic spikes
Manual deployments without rollback plans
Weak monitoring that reacts too late
Security gaps that turn into system crashes

The cloud gives you power. Poor infrastructure decisions turn that power into risk.

What “Stopping Downtime Cold” Really Means

It doesn’t mean hoping nothing breaks.
It means expecting failure and designing systems that survive it.

Strong cloud infrastructure management focuses on four core pillars.

1. Architecture Built for Failure

If your system collapses when one service fails, it was never stable to begin with.

High-availability infrastructure includes:

Load balancers across multiple availability zones
Auto-scaling that reacts before performance drops
Redundant services so failures stay isolated

When architecture is done right, failures don’t become incidents — they become background noise.

2. Proactive Monitoring Instead of Panic Alerts

If customers are the first ones to notice downtime, you’re already late.

Modern cloud environments rely on:

Real-time health monitoring
Smart alerts that trigger before limits are reached
Centralized logs for faster root-cause analysis

Cloud providers themselves emphasize observability because visibility is what turns outages into manageable events instead of full-blown crises.

3. Automation That Removes Human Error

Manual processes are one of the biggest causes of downtime.

Teams that prioritize stability automate:

Infrastructure provisioning
Scaling rules
Backups and disaster recovery
CI/CD deployments with safe rollbacks

Automation doesn’t just save time — it prevents mistakes, especially during high-pressure moments.

4. Security That Protects Stability

Security incidents are downtime.

Unpatched systems, exposed credentials, and poor access controls often end with services being taken offline.

Strong cloud management includes:

Continuous security monitoring
Role-based access control
Encrypted data pipelines
Automated patching and compliance checks

Security and uptime aren’t separate goals. They depend on each other.

Where Growing Teams Usually Slip

Here’s something I’ve seen far too often. A product starts gaining traction, traffic slowly increases, integrations pile up, and suddenly the infrastructure that once felt “solid” starts showing cracks. Not all at once but in subtle, dangerous ways. Pages load a little slower. Deployments feel riskier. Minor incidents start happening more frequently, yet they’re brushed off as one-off issues. Teams stay focused on shipping features because growth feels urgent, while infrastructure quietly falls behind. The problem is that cloud systems don’t fail dramatically at first — they degrade.

And by the time downtime becomes visible to users, the technical debt has already piled up. Without regular audits, performance optimization, and proactive scaling strategies, even well-designed cloud environments become fragile over time. This is usually the point where teams realize that cloud infrastructure isn’t something you “set and forget.” It’s a living system that needs continuous attention to stay reliable under real-world pressure.

The Hidden Cost of “Mostly Stable” Systems

A lot of companies settle for “good enough.”

99% uptime sounds impressive — until you realize that’s more than three days of downtime per year.

Now add:

Lost transactions
User churn
Support overload
Engineering burnout

Suddenly, downtime isn’t a technical issue. It’s a growth blocker.

Reliable infrastructure doesn’t just protect systems — it protects momentum.

Where Growing Teams Usually Slip

I’ve noticed this pattern again and again.

Teams invest heavily in:

Product features
Design improvements
Marketing and growth

But infrastructure gets treated as:

“We’ll fix it when it breaks.”

The problem is that cloud environments are not static. Traffic grows, data scales, integrations multiply. Without continuous management, even well-built systems degrade over time.

That’s why many scaling companies eventually move toward structured cloud engineering practices that focus on long-term reliability, not just initial setup.

Stability Feels Boring — And That’s the Goal

The best infrastructure doesn’t get attention.

It feels boring because:

Deployments don’t cause anxiety
Traffic spikes don’t break systems
Incidents resolve quietly or automatically

That calm is the result of intentional decisions, not luck.

Downtime thrives in chaos.
Stability thrives in preparation.

Final Thoughts

Downtime isn’t inevitable. It’s a signal that systems weren’t built — or managed — for reality. Cloud infrastructure management isn’t about keeping servers running. It’s about protecting user trust, revenue, and your team’s sanity. When infrastructure is resilient, everything else moves faster.

Ready to Stop Worrying About Downtime?

If your platform is scaling — or planning to — reliable cloud downtime infrastructure isn’t optional anymore. The right cloud engineering approach doesn’t just reduce outages.
It removes fear from growth. Explore what resilient, production-ready cloud infrastructure looks like here:

Build for failure. Scale with confidence. And make downtime something your users never have to think about.