Social Media Content: How Much is Too Much!

The massive outrage over Ranveer Allahabadia’s recent comment at ‘India’s Got Latent’ comedy show has proved how sensitive we are as a nation when it comes to abusive language. However, amidst the massive outrage were some voices that were defending Allahabadia and advising on not taking his comments too seriously as it was a part of dark comedy and it is meant to be like that. But is the matter truly as simple or as complicated as it appears?

For a long time, there has been a debate and discussions on social media content and people have been constantly requesting the government put shackles on the use of offensive, hateful and malicious content. In the last couple of years, it has been observed that even people from the remotest places are using social media to express their thoughts and feelings. It has also become a medium for malicious minds to exploit others. However, all said and done, social media is also a great tool for people who want to use it positively, as it allows faster access to the masses within seconds, which no other medium can provide today.

But why did Allahabadia’s comment attract a massive backlash? Ranveer Allahabadia is among the most known faces of social media and a renowned social media influencer who shot to fame for having the most influential guests on his podcasts. His content was well-liked by a large section of social media users and was one of the few who could interview the country’s most important figures. Recently, he also received an award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for content creation. 

In this country, although bad words and abusive language are not uncommon, people who use them are not viewed favourably. And, nobody wishes to hear them from those they have put in a high position. When people look up to you as a role model, especially after receiving an award from the Prime Minister for your excellent content, you are expected to behave responsibly. This is where Allahabadia went wrong. What he said was absolutely nasty and not acceptable in any respectable society. 

In a nation where parents are venerated as divine beings, it was an issue that simply could not be overlooked. If this issue is overlooked, we will see more such content in the coming days. Therefore, a clear and strict message is essential for everyone, including budding content creators. They should know the limits and understand when something is considered too much. Unthinkingly aping foreign culture can trigger additional similar incidents. However, the language used by Allahabadia would not be accepted even in ‌Western conservative society. Therefore, prior to crafting content, it is absolutely essential for us to thoroughly understand the audience we are addressing. So, that we are not left regretting the rest of our lives.

Since social media has reached every corner of the world, and even toddlers and school-going kids often play with smartphones, it is our responsibility to be mindful of the content we share on social media.

Digitalmitra