Social media has become a double-edged sword in today’s world, providing a platform for expression while also serving as a breeding ground for misinformation, moral policing, and societal degeneration. Chief Minister of Manipur has time and again invoked the idea of “reasonable restrictions” when addressing the regulation of speech on social media. While the state emphasizes the need for such measures to maintain harmony, its actions often extend beyond the bounds of reasonableness, targeting individuals who dare to speak inconvenient truths. This duality not only undermines the purpose of free expression but also reflects the deeper issues plaguing our society.
The social media has given everyone a voice, but this freedom has come with consequences. People now say and write whatever they want, often without accountability or thought for the impact of their words. The result is a chaotic digital landscape where both meaningful discourse and depravity coexist. On one hand, individuals who expose uncomfortable truths or highlight injustices are hounded by the state, facing harassment and legal action. On the other hand, those who indulge in spreading vulgar, depraved, and inflammatory content thrive, drawing attention and even financial gain from their controversial activities. This paradox raises important questions about the state’s priorities and its approach to regulating online speech.
A critical issue lies in the blurred lines between free speech and harmful content. While reasonable restrictions are indeed necessary to prevent hate speech, misinformation, and harm to public order, the state’s interpretation of these restrictions often appears selective and biased. Those who speak truth to power, expose corruption, or criticize governance are labeled as troublemakers and silenced through legal or extrajudicial means. This not only curtails free expression but also creates an atmosphere of fear, discouraging individuals from engaging in honest discourse. The suppression of truth-tellers erodes the very foundation of a democratic society and enables unchecked power.
At the same time, the rise of depravity on social media is alarming. Platforms are inundated with explicit, misleading, and sensational content that appeals to the basest instincts of viewers. From sharing private information to exploiting vulnerabilities, social media has become a space where moral boundaries are increasingly blurred. The prevalence of such content reflects the moral decay within our society and highlights the lack of accountability that online anonymity affords. It is a mirror of who we are as a community, exposing our weaknesses, insecurities, and lack of ethical grounding.
Adding to this chaotic environment is the phenomenon of moral policing. Unemployment and lack of opportunities have driven many individuals to seek relevance and income by positioning themselves as self-appointed custodians of morality. These individuals thrive on controversies, exploiting sensitive issues to gain attention and financial rewards. They often target individuals for their choices, lifestyle, or opinions, presenting themselves as defenders of cultural values. This behavior not only stifles individuality but also fosters a culture of intolerance and division. The moral police, under the guise of upholding societal values, end up contributing to the very degeneration they claim to oppose.
The state actions, societal decay, and the role of moral policing is a concerning trend that demands introspection. The government’s overreach in silencing dissenting voices, coupled with its failure to address the spread of depravity on social media, reveals a lack of coherent policy. Instead of fostering a healthy digital environment where constructive dialogue can thrive, the state’s approach has been to clamp down on truth while allowing harmful content to proliferate unchecked.
Moreover, the role of society in this dynamic cannot be ignored. Social media does not operate in isolation; it reflects the attitudes, values, and priorities of its users. The prevalence of depraved content and the rise of moral policing are symptoms of deeper societal issues such as unemployment, lack of education, and eroding ethical standards. Addressing these problems requires a collective effort, including better education, opportunities for youth, and fostering a culture of accountability and respect.
The need for a balanced approach to regulating social media is urgent. The government must distinguish between dissent and harm, ensuring that reasonable restrictions do not become tools for oppression. At the same time, it must take decisive action to curb the spread of harmful content, holding platforms and individuals accountable for their actions. Social media companies also have a responsibility to ensure that their platforms are not used to propagate hate, misinformation, or exploitation.
Ultimately, the state of social media is a reflection of our collective consciousness. If it appears depraved, and intolerant, it is because these issues exist within us.