In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of life. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have given a voice to millions of users across the world, allowing them to express themselves and connect with others. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Unfortunately, many users and influencers have been misusing these platforms to stoke controversies and spread hate through vulgar, objectionable, defamatory, or derogatory material. And yet, there have been times when questionable content goes without a question being asked.
The recent controversy surrounding the show "India's Got Latent" hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina is a prime example. The show sparked outrage on social media after a contestant was asked a "filthy" and "uncomfortable" question by Allahbadia. The question, which involved a scenario of watching one's parents have sex, was deemed unacceptable by many viewers, who felt it was crude and set a bad example for young audiences and families.
Despite Allahbadia's apology, the incident has raised important questions about the ethics of digital content creation. Is entertainment going too far in the pursuit of attention and viral fame? Should influencers be held to higher moral standards due to their large audiences? Or should there be stricter rules on digital platforms to stop inappropriate content? The answer lies somewhere in between. While humour is subjective and can be a powerful tool for social entertainment, it must not come at the cost of decency, morality and respect for cultural sensitivities.
Social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure that their users adhere to certain standards of behaviour, especially when it comes to content that may be considered objectionable or hurtful. Goa has been a witness to social media content that should not have passed the muster -- from personal bashing to subjective vendetta and filthy abuses. Self-proclaimed activists and emotionally charged individuals have spewed venom on platforms exhibiting profanity with utmost ease.
In the case of Allahbadia and Raina, their show may have been intended as a form of comedy, but it ultimately crossed the line and sparked outrage. And perhaps, no apology can undo the damage done. While Allahbadia apologized for his comments, many felt his apology was insufficient. The larger question is about holding content creators and producers accountable for their actions. Anything and everything cannot be passed off under the guise of freedom of expression.
There have to be deterrents in place, including prompt legal action, penalties and possibly a ban depending on the severity. The Maharashtra Women's Commission and Mumbai Police have already been urged to take action against Allahbadia, Raina, and the show's organizers for promoting offensive content. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the issue of social media censorship.
Social media is a powerful and handy tool, but it cannot be a free-for-all medium to showcase crude vulgarity or hate speeches. There is a need for stricter regulations and accountability measures to ensure that users and influencers adhere to certain standards of behaviour. The line between humour and hate is thin, and it's time for us to draw a clear distinction between the two.
