We’re partly to blame for Facebook controversy

Readers discuss Tagore, UK-Russia ties, debt and racism

Facebook is having one of its worst weeks as a publicly traded company with a share sell-off continuing for a second day amid a data security scandal. Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

I write in reference to your timely editorial Facebook users are demanding answers. But it may be too late (March 21). The fiasco involving Facebook and Cambridge Analytica should warn common citizens about the perils of posting every facet of their lives on their various social media accounts. Large companies like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram feed on our personal data, making our private lives completely public. But should we really be blaming Facebook?

After all it is us, its devoted users, who seek instant recognition from increasingly distant peers by posting our personal lives, and with it our data, on social media sites.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Tagore was truly remarkable, like many Bengalis after him

In reference to Samanth Subramanian's article The origin and meaning of India's national anthem (March 20): the piece was meaningful and thought-provoking. Rabindranath Tagore is to this day one of India's finest poets and painters, who wrote the country's world-famous and iconic national anthem. He has found acclaim for centuries among many great scholars. Tagore hailed from Bengal, which has produced a large number of talented artists, writers, directors and many intellectuals. Nonetheless, despite his esteemed company, Tagore was truly remarkable.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

UK-Russia peace is important for the security of the world

Please refer to your article Russia retaliates by expelling 23 British diplomats (March 18). After Britain expelled a number of Russian diplomats following the poisoning of a former Russian spy in the English town of Salisbury, Moscow has responded in kind. In the end, everything comes down to a question of power. That is why we have wars. I believe in peace and these are two nations which are important to world peace.

Asyah E Meel, Abu Dhabi

There are scary big players at work out there. It feels like a war is pending, especially when these guys don’t know how to play nicely.

Michelle-Ann Pope, Brisbane

What of those rendered jobless with bills to pay?

I write in reference to your article The Debt Panel: Dubai absconder's Maldives job pays too little to cover his Dh86,000 debts (March 14). I was recently terminated from my job, but I had a loan with a bank in Dubai. I wonder if someone in my position is still allowed to work?

Name withheld by request

Could rising racism be to blame for Nottingham attack?

Please refer to your article UK city struggles with 'unprovoked and evil' attack on Egyptian teen (March 21): what did these cruel people get out of killing her? It's possible the attack was racially motivated, because racists appear to be rising up in countries across the EU and in the US.

Name withheld by request