New Delhi: The core committee of the National Child Development Council (NCDC) held an important meeting to discuss the increasing misuse of social media. This meeting followed a tragic event where a man reportedly died by suicide after a video that allegedly portrayed him negatively went viral online.
During the meeting, members talked about an incident in Kerala. A woman recorded a video inside a public bus, accusing a man of harassment, and shared it widely on social media. The meeting highlighted that this video caused severe mental distress for the man, who later took his own life.
Committee members noted that later information indicated the video might have been misleading. The man faced public humiliation without any verification of the claims. He was reportedly the only son in his family, leaving elderly parents without support.
NCDC members expressed unanimous concern about the unchecked recording and sharing of videos involving private individuals without consent. The committee emphasized that sharing personal or sensitive videos without permission or verification should be strictly controlled, as such actions can cause lasting psychological harm. “This is not just about one incident; it reflects a dangerous trend where people record and upload videos for publicity without considering the consequences on others’ lives,” stated a senior member.
The committee underscored that managing such content is crucial for ensuring justice and protecting human dignity. Several speakers pointed out the role of social media platforms in promoting sensational and negative content. Members observed that these platforms often push videos based on engagement, allowing controversial and harmful material to gain quick visibility, while positive and constructive content gets little attention. “The business model of social media encourages virality at any cost. This has created a culture where negativity, humiliation, and harassment attract attention, while good work goes unnoticed,” one participant said.
The committee compared this trend to media coverage of violent protests, which often draws more attention than peaceful demonstrations.
The meeting also looked at the wider social impact, especially on children and youth. Members warned that easy access to harmful videos normalizes bullying, harassment, and unethical behavior among young people. They cited alarming instances of children recording and sharing abusive or violent acts to gain online popularity as consequences of unregulated digital platforms.
NCDC members urged the government to establish clear guidelines, monitoring systems, and legal accountability for those who misuse social media. They called for criteria on what can and cannot be posted, particularly content that invades privacy, spreads false information, or causes mental harassment.
The committee also stressed the need for gender-neutral laws. They stated that harassment and false accusations need to be taken seriously, whether the victim is a man or a woman. Members noted that in the discussed case, public judgment on social media undermined due process, leading to tragic results.
In concluding the meeting, the NCDC reiterated that while social media can be a powerful tool for awareness and positive change, its misuse has become a significant threat to mental health, social harmony, and human rights.
The council resolved to formally recommend stricter social media regulations, increased government oversight, and public awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
