Today, the debate centres on social media. Governments, including the United Kingdom, are considering stricter rules to limit young people’s access to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Their concerns are understandable. Parents worry about addiction, cyberbullying, harmful content and the mental health of their children.

But history teaches us an important lesson.

When society fears a new technology, the first reaction is often to resist it rather than understand it.

History Repeats Itself

Britain, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, experienced fierce resistance whenever new machines transformed society.

When mechanised textile machines were introduced, thousands of workers believed they would lose their livelihoods. The famous Luddites smashed machinery in factories because they feared that technology would replace human labour. Society fought against change before eventually embracing it.

The sewing machine also faced strong opposition when it transformed the clothing industry. Many tailors feared it would destroy traditional craftsmanship and eliminate jobs. Yet today, no one questions whether the sewing machine made the world more productive.

Electricity faced similar scepticism. Many households were reluctant to replace traditional oil lamps, believing familiar methods were safer and more reliable. Over time, electricity became one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

Every technological revolution has been accompanied by fear.

Social media is simply the latest chapter.

We Are Judging Social Media by Its Worst Content

Ask many adults what they think of TikTok, and the answer is often the same:

“Dancing videos.”

But that view ignores millions of creators who teach valuable skills every single day.

A teenager can learn:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Software development
• Robotics
• Engineering
• Graphic design
• Digital marketing
• Business strategy
• Video production
• Foreign languages
• Mathematics
• Science

For many young people, social media has become the world’s largest free classroom.

Never before in history has a child living on a small island, in a rural village or in a developing country had access to experts from the world’s leading universities, technology companies and businesses—completely free of charge.

Knowledge that once required expensive education is now available on a mobile phone.

The Algorithm Doesn’t Control You—You Train It

One of the biggest misunderstandings about social media is the algorithm.

People often believe that platforms decide what children watch.

That is only partly true.

Algorithms learn from human behaviour.

Watch entertainment all day, and more entertainment appears.

Watch AI tutorials, coding lessons, engineering projects, science experiments and business education, and the algorithm begins recommending more educational content.

The algorithm is constantly learning from its user.

In many ways, we design our own digital world through the choices we make.

The Real Problem Is Not Social Media

The real problem is that we have never taught children how algorithms work.

Schools teach mathematics.

They teach science.

They teach history.

But very few teach digital intelligence.

Imagine if every child understood how recommendation systems work.

Imagine if parents showed their children how to build an educational feed by following scientists, innovators, software developers, entrepreneurs and engineers instead of simply consuming endless entertainment.

The same platform that distracts one child could inspire another to build the next breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence.

Don’t Ban the Tool—Teach People to Use It

We do not ban books because some contain poor information.

We do not ban televisions because some programmes lack educational value.

We do not ban electricity because it can be dangerous if used carelessly.

Instead, we educate people to use these tools responsibly.

Social media should be no different.

Children need guidance, age-appropriate protections and healthy limits. Parents should monitor online activity, encourage critical thinking and help children distinguish reliable information from misinformation.

The answer is education—not prohibition.

Preparing the Next Generation

The future belongs to those who understand technology.

Tomorrow’s innovators, engineers, entrepreneurs and scientists are already learning online today.

Artificial Intelligence, robotics and digital businesses will shape the world’s economy for decades to come.

If we deny young people access to these learning opportunities without teaching them how to use them wisely, we risk preparing them for yesterday’s world instead of tomorrow’s.

A Better Question

Perhaps society is asking the wrong question.

Instead of asking,

“How do we stop children from using social media?”

We should ask,

“How do we teach children to train their algorithms, filter out distractions and turn social media into the greatest learning platform ever created?”

Technology itself is neither good nor bad.

Its impact depends on the knowledge, discipline and purpose of the person using it.

The next generation does not need less technology.

It needs better digital education.

Because the future will not be built by those who fear technology.

It will be built by those who learn to master it.

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The post Maldives Faces Extreme Heat Surge, Tourists Urged to Take Precautions appeared first on .

Industry observers note that the practice of paying wages in US dollars is largely tied to the Maldives’ heavy reliance on international tourism. With most resort revenues generated in foreign currency, especially from high-end travelers, employers in the hospitality sector have adopted USD-based salary systems to align with their income streams and appeal to a global workforce.

As a result, many professionals from Asia, Africa, and other regions are increasingly seeking employment in Maldivian resorts. Jobs ranging from hospitality and culinary roles to diving instructors and spa therapists are in high demand, with workers drawn not only by competitive salaries but also by the opportunity to save in a strong currency.

Recruitment agencies report a steady rise in applications for resort positions, with candidates citing financial stability and international work experience as key motivations. For many workers, earning in US dollars provides an advantage when supporting families back home or planning long-term financial goals.

However, experts also highlight that working in the Maldives comes with its own set of challenges, including remote island living, limited mobility, and demanding work schedules. Despite these factors, the promise of USD earnings continues to position the Maldives as a highly desirable destination for employment in the global tourism industry.

As the sector continues to expand, the Maldives remains a standout example of how currency policies within tourism can influence global labor trends and attract talent from around the world.

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Capital Marine and Civil Construction (CMCC) has been contracted by Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to perform this job. A total of 63 hectares of land will be recovered as part of this project.

Since the project’s inception in September of last year, 23 hectares of land have been reclaimed.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) issued directives that temporarily stopped reclamation because of the possibility of widespread coral bleaching in the reefs of the Maldives. With approval from the EPA, the operation has now restarted, and the remaining 40 hectares of land are being reclaimed.

According to HDC, the reclamation process would be hampered if certain boats that were docked in the nearby lagoon weren’t removed. They urged the owners of the vessels to get them out of the region as soon as possible.

The project, which cost MVR 259.2 million (about USD 16.7 million), has been turned over to CMCC. According to earlier statements from HDC, the expenses will be paid for by selling 9.8 hectares of Thilafushi land and 10 hectares of Hulhumale’ land.

In order to give land plots to Male citizens under the former government’s Binveriya housing program, Hulhumale Phase 3 is being reclaimed. Of the 9000 land plots that Male inhabitants are to receive, 1000 are located in Hulhumale alone.

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“The parliament’s National Security Services Committee has decided to conduct a parliamentary inquiry to investigate actions undertaken by President Solih’s administration that undermined the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives,” said MP Ahmed Azaan of central Hithadhoo constituency, according to reports in Maldivian media. He proposed to commence a parliamentary inquiry, alleging that the previous government’s actions affected the country’s independence and sovereignty. The actions being investigated include an agreement for hydrographic surveys, another for building the Uthuru Thilafalhu dockyard built with grant assistance from India, and yet another for the Dornier aircraft gifted by India to Maldives defense forces for humanitarian, search, and rescue operations.

Last year, Muizzu’s government announced that it would not renew the agreement with the Indian Navy for joint hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters. Following this, Muizzu participated in Modi’s swearing-in on Sunday and met President Murmu on Monday, expressing gratitude for India’s continuous assistance to the Maldives.

“He conveyed that he looks forward to further strengthening existing relations,” said his office.

Controversy erupted when three outspoken deputy ministers used offensive language in response to PM Modi’s social media posts about his trip to Lakshadweep. The posts celebrated the natural beauty of the islands and its potential as a tourist attraction for India. Former presidents Ibrahim Solih and Mohamed Nasheed strongly condemned the ministers’ remarks.

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Fishing is the second leading economic sector of the Maldives with a significant amount of the country’s income being generated through the export of fish and other marine products. Tuna is the most common fish export from the Maldives.

The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region and welcomes foreign investments.

Currency

Rufiyaa (MRF) and Laari (L) (1 Rufiyaa = 100 Laaris)
Rufiyaa bank notes came in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500
ATMs are available at the airport and in Male’ for those wanting to withdraw local currency.
Payments of most hard cash currencies are accepted at all resorts and hotels, and most major international credit cards are also accepted. Some resorts offer all-inclusive, cash-free holiday options.

In Male’, tourists can pay for purchases using Rufiyaa but US Dollars are also welcomed. Tourism goods and services in the Maldives are now subject to TGST (Tourism Goods and Services Tax), which is charged at 12%. This includes things such as souvenirs from the boutiques as well as drinks or food not included in your resort meal plan.

It’s recommended that if you have any significant amounts of Rufiyaa left at the end of your holiday you should change it before you leave as you will be unable to convert it at a foreign exchange outside of the Maldives.

Commonly used credit cards

• American Express
• Visa
• Master Card
• Diners Club
• JCB

Banking

The majority of the banks in Male’ are found on the strip of the island facing the airport. These include HSBC, Bank of Ceylon, State Bank of India and Bank of Maldives.

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