The Rise of trolling and Online Harassment in india

India’s vibrant digital sphere, a source of connection and expression for millions, is increasingly marred by the insidious phenomenon of digital lynching. Anonymity emboldens trolls, transforming keyboards into instruments of virtual persecution. From bereaved widows to sports icons, no one seems immune to the venom spewed online, eroding the nation’s social fabric.

Targeting Vulnerable Individuals: A Widow’s Ordeal

The case of a young widow, whose husband, a soldier, was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, exemplifies the cruelty of online trolls. Instead of offering condolences, online abusers attacked her character and motives, questioning her grief and accusing her of seeking financial gain. This incident highlights a disturbing trend: the exploitation of personal tragedies for malicious online attacks.

One especially vile comment suggested her tears were merely “crocodile tears to grab the funds received to the martyr.”

Despite swift justice through Operation Sindoor, the widow’s call for peace was met with further online vitriol, demonstrating the pervasive nature of online hate.

Celebrities Under Siege: When Fame Becomes a target

The relentless nature of online abuse extends to public figures as well. A celebrated cricket veteran, once a symbol of national pride, faced a barrage of criticism following the 2023 World Cup. Personal privacy was violated when a video of his hotel room surfaced online, becoming fodder for mockery. In another instance, his young daughter was threatened with violence, showcasing the depravity of online trolls.

As the cricket veteran stated on Instagram, Violation of my privacy is not right.

Similarly, a prominent tennis player faced accusations of treason for marrying someone from Pakistan, highlighting the xenophobic undertones frequently enough present in online attacks. Even a new mother faced criticism for sharing a picture of her newborn, accused of exploiting her child for fame. These examples illustrate how social media can transform into a battleground where personal lives are dissected and weaponized.

The Algorithm of Hate: How Platforms Amplify Negativity

The problem is not merely individual trolls but the algorithms that amplify their messages. A 2023 study indicates that platforms like X and TikTok can exacerbate discrimination by boosting hateful content and hashtags, allowing them to reach millions. This “digital lynching” is a form of public shaming where algorithms drive the nails into the coffin of reputation and well-being.

As the study suggests, platforms like X and TikTok have enhanced discrimination, in which disgusting post boats and hashtag reaches millions through hijacking.

The hijacking of a widow’s grief by a “troll carnival,” with accusations of “trading sympathy,” demonstrates how quickly negativity can spread, eroding community bonds and fostering discrimination. Even condemnation from the National commission for Women proved ineffective in curbing the abuse.

The Human Cost: Mental Health and Exodus from Platforms

The consequences of online trolling are far-reaching, contributing to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.One digital content creator, deeply affected by online abuse, described being unable to sleep for weeks. The existing cyber laws, while present, lack effective enforcement. The “Kulhad Pizza” pair, Sahaj Arora and Gurpreet kaur, even fled to Britain this year due to relentless trolling, highlighting the real-world impact of online harassment.

Several high-profile figures have left social media platforms due to the toxic surroundings. Aamir khan cited a “poisonous investigation” when leaving X in 2021, while Sonakshi Sinha left in 2020, denouncing the platform as a haven for “hatred.”

The Role of Social Media Giants and the Need for Stricter Laws

While companies like X have fought foreign censorship based on freedom of expression, they often fail to address the internal spread of hate. Platforms prioritizing profit over ethics become complicit in this digital lynching. with a massive social media user base in India – 362.9 million on Instagram and 25.4 million on X – the potential for harm is immense. The government must enact and enforce stricter cyber laws to curb this “digital malignant” and silence the “algorithm of hatred.”

According to recent statistics, cybercrime incidents in India have seen a meaningful surge in the past year, with a 25% increase reported in cases related to online harassment and defamation. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat digital lynching and protect vulnerable individuals from online abuse.