Social Media is a perfect platform for the interaction of people from different generations all around the world. Media is considered as the fourth pillar of Democracy. Media is seen as the torchbearer of freedom, liberties, and speech. However, the irresponsible and over-use of media have some severe consequences which have led to an enigmatic problem of Social Media Trials.
In recent times, some of the intellectuals on social media platforms have set up imaginary courts which are now deciding cases on daily basis and pronouncing judgments. The entire world is in amazement to witness the advocacy of the home-made lawyers and judges. But at what cost? At the cost of innocents and victims of these social media trials being mentally harassed, discarded from societies, being termed as killers, bullies; subjected to hatred and some committing suicide.
Over the years, the world has been taken over by Social Media which seemed just a rising distraction to the people of this world. According to data by the World Bank in 2016, there are approx. 3.42 billion people use social media. That’s is almost 1 in 3 people who are using social media. With the increased amount of networking, the world has fallen on its knees by the perplexing situation created by social media. A place where social media was hailed because of its benefits, is under the radar for spreading fake news and consequences of it.
In recent times, the excessive use of social media has negatively impacted society. The rapid spread of news without authenticity has led to users asserting their opinions. This has eventually led to discarding the established legal procedures. In recent cases of Boy’s Locker Room and Aman Baisla have proved why we need to curb the unwarranted information on media.
The fabrication and publication of false information with twisted facts are often considered to be the reality leading on to some “woke” and “intellectuals” giving their opinions and administering justice to their ego and pride. It has neither helped the victim nor the courts. The fake admirations seek by such “judges” remains temporary boosting their respect in their own eyes by some ‘shares’, ‘retweets’ or ‘re-posting’ their content.
In the infamous Boy’s Locker Room case, it is observed that how a reckless behaviour by some mischievous children can result in unforeseen events. In addition to this, it also asks for the need for regulation of the social media platforms concerning content being shared on it. The outrage against the boys was very evident with some governmental organization intervention. The boys were mentally harassed by continuous abusive messages that were sent by several users to them. However, it still does not justify their wrong and irresponsible act of sharing obscene pictures of girls – both minor and those attained majority. At the same time, the revelation by a girl who was “testing their guy friends” as to how they will act in certain circumstances, clearly shows that there is a need of some serious education and awareness regarding the implications of social media platforms. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for condemning such acts and reporting such ‘acts which are done for fun’.
BUT WHAT DID THE USERS WHO WERE ASSASSINATING THE CHARACTER AND PASSING JUDGMENTS as to what should be done for these boys get? The question remains unanswered.
In another unfortunate end due to the excessive calling out behaviour by the social media users, Aman Baisla, Delhi-based businessman allegedly committed suicide. Aman was threatened by the accused and 2 others that if he didn’t stop pursuing them to repay the money, they will press rape charges against him. Unfortunately, the social media community was exposed to only one side of the story which led to many bashing Aman on various social media, expressing hatred and mental torture for him. Aman felt that suicide is the last resort for him now. Before committing suicide, he posted a video on Facebook explaining the reasons behind taking such severe steps.
It is disheartening to know that these are a few incidents that have come to light with many still being subjected to extreme hatred and mental torture. This has now become very common and what is even more disappointing, it is now normalized and taken as humour. The users have been blatantly trolling others, passing lewd comments on pictures, calling out, spreading hatred towards the particular section, harassing innocents, torturing people mentally, bullying online and whatnot. FOR WHAT? Personal Satisfaction of Ego. AT WHAT COST? Mentally harassment, discarded from societies, being termed as killers, bullies; subjected to hatred and some committing suicide.
There is a dire need for regulation of information on social media and to supervise the online activity. It further requires awareness and education. It is time to stand up against those who indulge in these activities to look ‘cool’ and stand up for those who need our support.
Anurag Jain
I am a law enthusiast who is interested in corporate law and animal rights, with an aim to make a contribution in the legal fraternity.