Mains Daily Question
Nov. 27, 2023
Q2. You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal’s office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently.
You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son’s changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest.
After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague’s sons shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home.
Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son’s predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.
(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.
(b)Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family. (20M, 250W)
Answer: The Government official is faced with an ethical dilemma involving his 11-year-old child who has become a victim of bullying and online harassment. Balancing personal responsibilities with professional conduct and ethical standards becomes imperative. The situation brings a number of critical ethical concerns that require a judicious approach.
(a) Ethical Issues Involved in the Use of Social Media
- Cyberbullying and Harassment: The initial act of mocking and ridiculing the official's child through social media platforms constitutes a clear instance of cyberbullying, a grave ethical concern that can lead to severe emotional distress and harm.
- Privacy Violation: Sharing personal information, images, and videos without consent is a breach of privacy, highlighting the importance of respecting an individual's right to confidentiality, even in the digital realm.
- Spread of False Information: The dissemination of a video humiliating the official and their family reflects a deliberate attempt to spread false information, eroding trust and integrity, and posing a significant ethical challenge.
- Misuse of Social Media: The perpetrators' use of social media as a tool for revenge and harassment aggravates the situation, emphasising the need for responsible online conduct and restraint.
- Responsibility of Parents and Guardians: The moral responsibility of parents and guardians to protect and support their children comes to the forefront. In this case, it is imperative for the parents to address their child's bullying issue and ensure their well-being, underlining the ethical duty towards the family.
- Professional Conduct of a Government Official: As a government official, maintaining decorum and professionalism is paramount. Engaging in any form of confrontation or physical altercation, even in defence of one's child, raises pertinent questions about professional conduct and ethical boundaries.
(b) Pros and Cons of Using Social Media to Counter Fake Propaganda
Pros:
|
Direct Communication with a Wider Audience |
Social media offers a direct channel of communication with a wide audience. The official can present their side of the story without the need for intermediaries, promoting transparency and accountability. |
|
Support and Solidarity for the Family |
Posting the video can garner support from friends, colleagues, and the online community, providing emotional and moral support. This demonstrates the ethical value of solidarity and empathy. |
|
Evidence Documentation |
Posting a video of the event provides concrete evidence, countering false claims effectively. This upholds the principles of truthfulness and integrity, crucial in ethical decision-making. |
|
Awareness and Education |
Social media can be a powerful tool to educate the public about the detrimental effects of cyberbullying and the importance of responsible online behaviour. This aligns with the ethical imperative of promoting the well-being of society. |
Cons:
|
Escalation of Conflict |
Engaging in a public online dispute may worsen the conflict, potentially causing further harm. This stresses the ethical need for prudence and careful consideration of potential consequences. |
|
Perpetuating the Issue |
Responding to fake propaganda may inadvertently give it more attention and validity, perpetuating the issue. This underscores the ethical challenge of unintended consequences. |
|
Negative Backlash |
Taking a stand on social media can invite negative comments, criticism, or even threats, potentially causing emotional distress for the family. This emphasises the ethical duty to consider the well-being and safety of all involved parties. |
|
Impact on Professional Image |
As a government official, engaging in a public dispute may affect the official's professional image and credibility. This highlights the ethical responsibility to uphold the public's trust and confidence in their role. |
Recommended Course of Action
- Open Communication with School: Meet with school authorities to collaborate on a safety plan for the official’s son.
- Counselling for the Son: Seek professional support for the child's emotional well-being.
- Report to Law Enforcement: Consider involving law enforcement if the bullying escalates to a criminal level.
- Empower the Child: Encourage the child to speak up about bullying incidents and teach assertiveness techniques.
- Educate on Safe Social Media Use: Provide guidance on responsible social media usage and reporting cyberbullying.
- Promote Inclusivity and Acceptance: Work with the school to foster an inclusive and tolerant environment.
The Government official must carefully think about the pros and cons of each option and prioritise their family's well-being. This decision-making process echoes Mahatma Gandhi's wise words: "Strength doesn't come from the body. It comes from the will." This means that real strength comes from our inner resolve, highlighting the importance of making ethical decisions, especially in difficult situations.
