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

Ethics

Ethics: Case Study

2023

20 Marks

Introduction This case highlights the ethical quagmire of cyberbullying and the responsible use of social media, particularly when children are involved. This case presents a moral dilemma akin to the recent surge in online harassment cases, demanding an ethical response grounded in principles like Gandhi's emphasis on truth and non-violence. The central ethical dilemma revolves around balancing the right to reputation with the right to privacy of minors, exemplified by the father's decision to expose the children involved in bullying his son, drawing upon the utilitarian principle of maximizing overall well-being.

Stakeholder Identification The stakeholders include the parent (and his family), the son, the bullying children and their families, the school, other students, and the wider online community.

(a) Ethical issues involved in the use of social media:

Cyberbullying and Harassment: The children's actions constitute cyberbullying, violating the son's dignity and emotional well-being. This highlights the pervasive issue of online harassment and its potential for psychological harm, demonstrating a lack of moral righteousness.
Violation of Privacy: Sharing videos without consent, especially involving minors, breaches their privacy. The father's act of posting a video identifying the alleged bullies, despite their age, raises concerns about proportionate response and public accountability.
Defamation and False Information: The viral video defaming the family exemplifies the spread of misinformation on social media and its potential to damage reputations, highlighting the need for greater social justice.
Misuse of Technology: The case underscores how social media can be misused for malicious purposes, including bullying, harassment, and spreading false information, reflecting a lack of professionalism in online conduct.
Impact on Mental Health: The son's withdrawal and poor performance demonstrate the psychological impact of cyberbullying. The father's actions, while intended to protect his son, could further escalate the situation and negatively impact the mental health of all children involved.

(b) Pros and Cons of using social media to counter fake propaganda:

Pros:

Right to Reply: Social media offers a platform to counter false narratives and present one's side of the story, upholding the principle of transparency. This aligns with the Gandhian approach of seeking truth.
Reaching a Wider Audience: Social media's reach can help quickly disseminate information and correct misinformation, ensuring public accountability.
Public Awareness: Sharing the incident can raise awareness about cyberbullying and its consequences, promoting social justice and encouraging responsible social media use.

Cons:

Escalation of Conflict: Publicly identifying the children could escalate the situation, leading to further harassment and online vigilantism, contradicting the Gandhian principle of non-violence.
Impact on Children's Well-being: Exposing minors online can have long-term negative consequences on their mental health and development, raising concerns about the father's actions from a rights approach perspective.
Legal Ramifications: Sharing videos without consent and making accusations online can have legal consequences, particularly when children are involved. This highlights the importance of considering legal and ethical boundaries in online interactions.
Lack of Due Process: Publicly accusing individuals before a proper investigation undermines due process and can lead to unfair judgment. This emphasizes the need for measured responses and adherence to established procedures.

Conclusion

This case underscores the ethical complexities of navigating the digital age. While the father's protective instincts are understandable, his actions raise serious ethical concerns. The incident highlights the need for responsible social media use, particularly when dealing with sensitive issues involving children. The Digital India initiative, with its focus on digital literacy and responsible online behavior, offers a positive step towards addressing these challenges. An ethical way forward involves educating children about responsible online behavior, implementing stricter regulations against cyberbullying, and promoting platforms for dialogue and conflict resolution. Parents and educators must collaborate to create a safer online environment for children, emphasizing empathy, respect, and responsible digital citizenship.

Answer Length

Model answers may exceed the word limit for better clarity and depth. Use them as a guide, but always frame your final answer within the exam’s prescribed limit.

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