The failure of institutional grievance mechanisms, not the misuse of freedom of expression, is the primary driver of social media-based public shaming in India. Critically examine.

GS3 Communication Networks
The failure of institutional grievance mechanisms, not the misuse of freedom of expression, is the primary driver of social media-based public shaming in India. Critically examine.

Examine

  • 10 marks
  • 8 min
  • 150 words
  • Medium

The Hindu

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Intro Social media shaming in India reflects both governance deficits and behavioural excesses; isolating a single cause oversimplifies a complex phenomenon.

Institutional Failures (Primary Driver?)

  • Weak enforcement: only ~25% cyberstalking cases reach charge-sheet stage
  • Legal gaps: no clear definition of cyberbullying; overlapping laws create ambiguity
  • Rising cybercrime (+24% YoY) shows institutional lag
  • Result: citizens resort to “naming & shaming” as informal justice

Misuse of Freedom of Expression

  • High prevalence: ~35% students face cyberbullying
  • Online hate normalisation: >1300 hate events in 2025
  • Anonymity + virality → mob behaviour (“digital vigilantism”)

Interlinkages

  • Institutional delay → outrage migration online
  • Platform algorithms amplify sensational content
  • Social validation (“likes”) incentivises shaming

Conclusion Institutional failure is a key trigger but not sufficient; unchecked expression, digital design, and social psychology collectively drive public shaming—necessitating both governance reform and platform accountability.

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