Akankshita Dash
IV B.Sc., National University of Singapore, Singapore
The Internet is a mass of contradictions. People have the freedom to express their opinions, but at the same time, may be attacked for doing so. People feel a lot braver attacking someone while they’re sitting behind a computer screen. We need to have stricter laws to safeguard people against online trolls. One way of doing that is by spreading awareness that your actions online may affect people in real life. However, I also think journalists (and others in similar professions) should expect some form of online dissent when they express unpopular opinions — and be prepared to take the heat.
Kashish Sandhu
II B.A., Christ University, Bengaluru
Freedom of speech and expression have their roots extended on digital platforms. These spheres have provided us with a means to exercise our rights in a more articulate and peaceful manner. Even though this platform seems to allow for unhindered speech, there are factors which act as a deterrent for us to exercise these rights. Trolling and online shaming threaten our right to exercise freedom of speech and expression. The Dhanya case is a classic example of this. These kinds of incidences explicitly indicate the immaturity of the user base to deal with sensitive issues.
Tushar Singh
IV B.E., Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
I suppose we lose the fight for free speech as soon as we bring in gender bias. Though women have been on the receiving end more often than men, it doesn’t change the fact that it happens on both sides. As long as only women keep striving for it, there will always be a gender bias. Also, for both men and women, it’s important to differentiate between the concepts of ‘good speech’ instead of ‘free speech’. I strongly condemn any such attacks on social media irrespective of an individual’s jobs and gender. I would urge everyone to treat the other person the way they themselves want to be treated.
Shruti Sudeshna Mishra
II M.A., School of Communication, Manipal
The Internet has taken over the real world. Whatever is said online has real consequences. Everyone has an opinion on everything, and online trolling has become a trend. When someone puts forth an unpopular opinion on social media, the trolling begins. With each of our opinions being judged all the time, it becomes harder to speak freely. Women, in particular, are on the receiving end of online trolling. In the era of women empowerment, where everybody is talking about their safety and independence, incidents like these prove that women still haven’t been given freedom of speech.
