Q1 (a). In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. (10 Marks,150 Words)
| Approach: Introduce how social media has revolutionized communication while creating new ethical tensions. In the body, highlight key dilemmas such as privacy vs. connectivity, free speech vs. regulation, truth vs. virality, anonymity vs. accountability, and profit vs. responsibility. Conclude by stressing the need for ethical frameworks that balance freedom, justice, and human dignity in the digital age. |
Social media platforms have transformed communication by democratizing access to information, amplifying voices, and creating new avenues for civic engagement. However, the digital revolution has simultaneously created a minefield of ethical dilemmas relating to privacy, misinformation, accountability, and human dignity.
Key Ethical Dilemmas
- Privacy vs. accessibility: Social media’s push for accessibility often compromises privacy, as user data is exploited for targeted ads without informed consent.
- The Cambridge Analytica scandal exemplifies this ethical dilemma, raising concerns under Article 21’s right to privacy (K.S. Puttaswamy case).
- Freedom of Expression vs. Regulation: Platforms empower free speech (Article 19), but unchecked speech leads to hate, trolling, and incitement.
- E.g., Communal riots aggravated by provocative WhatsApp forwards demonstrate the dangers of unregulated expression.
- Truth vs. Virality: Algorithms reward sensationalism, spreading misinformation over truth. The dilemma is choosing between honesty and integrity versus profit-driven popularity and reach.
- E.g., COVID-19 misinformation regarding vaccines undermined public health campaigns.
- Accountability vs. Anonymity: Anonymity protects whistleblowers and dissenters but also fuels cyberbullying and harassment.
- The ethical dilemma lies in safeguarding safety and accountability while upholding freedom and security of expression.
- Capitalism vs. Responsibility of Platforms: Companies prioritize ad revenue and engagement, often at the expense of social responsibility.
- The dilemma is whether corporations should pursue utilitarian profit maximization or uphold deontological duties to treat users as ends in themselves.
- Cultural Homogenization vs. Diversity: Global platforms spread universal values but risk eroding local identities.
- The ethical dilemma is preserving cultural pluralism while fostering global interconnectedness, as moderation rules often ignore Indian socio-cultural contexts.
- Surveillance vs. Security: Governments use social media monitoring for national security, but such surveillance threatens civil liberties.
- The dilemma is balancing collective safety against individual liberty and autonomy, highlighted by debates around Pegasus spyware.
Framework to address ethical dilemmas in social media
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Social media embodies a paradox: it can be an instrument of empowerment or a tool of manipulation. As Amartya Sen remarked, “Development is the expansion of human freedoms.” The ethical task ahead is to ensure that social media expands, not contracts our freedoms while upholding justice, truth, and human dignity.
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