GUIDE LINES FOR POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

 GUIDE LINES FOR POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

    Socrates (469-399), hailed as the wisest person was one day faced with a friend who excitedly told him, "Socrates do you know what I just heard about Diogenes?" Socrates replied, "Wait. Before you tell me, I will subject you to a test called 'triple filter test'. The first filter is TRUTH. Are you sure that what you are going to tell me is true." The man replied, "No ...I just heard about it." " Fine", said Socrates, " So, you do not know if it is true or not. Now we try the second filter of GOODNESS. Is what you are going tell me about Diogenes something good?" The person stumbled, "No, on the contrary...". "So," Socrates continued, "You want to tell me something about Diogenes that may be bad, even though you're not certain it's true?" The person looked embarrassed. But Socrates continued,  "You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter, the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about Diogenes going to be useful to me?" "No, not really." "Well," concluded Socrates, "If what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even useful, why tell it to me or anyone at all?"

  Same sentiment is echoed in the Manusmriti  "सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम् प्रियञ्च नानृतं ब्रूयात् एष धर्मस्सनातनः"  "Speak the truth, speak favorably, do not tell the truth that is not favorable. Also, do not tell untruth that is favorable - this is the eternal religion."

    Compare this what is happening on the Social Media platforms and on the TV. Are people not aware of these basics which form part of common as well as moral sense? All religions teach these basics. What happens when we sit on the social media or on TV debates? What are the thoughts going on in every ones mind when they are forwarding 15-20 second reels of a one hour talk/speech? Even in half sleep one can make out that it is doctored to suite one particular narration. And we merrily pass it on with folded hand requesting to pass on to everyone. Than there is jumping on to conclusion in an instant. He says xyz, so it means abc. The narration changes track and what is being discussed has no relevance to what was started. Soon big words Anti-national, anti religion etc. starts to fill up the place soon to be replaced with profanity, name calling and verbal aggression. 

    In the process basics of social etiquettes are bypassed. Like, I am from defense forces which are very strictly secular and apolitical in nature. We all lived that way our entire life. Retired fraternity takes lot of pride in continuing with the rich culture and legacy of Defense Forces and proudly display medals, caps, and regimental symbols on various occasions. They remain part of their units where they are always invited for annual day or raising days. They are the first to revolt if any one says bad about the organization. But many, unfortunately, succumbs to the populistic narrative paddled on the social media forgetting the basic ethos of our Military which need to be apolitical and secular.    

    Most of the people spreading lies and rumors to suite a particular narrative consists of die-hard supporters of political parties (all parties, without exception). They are not ordinary citizens, they are political activists entrusted with the task of protecting the political interests of the party of their choice. However, they seem in majority because they are loud and can penetrate SM, deeper and wider with financial, legal etc. support from their leaders.

         But there is hope as there are many citizens with open minds who are aligned with the larger good of the people and the nation. They may not be loud and aggressive but they are aware of their responsibilities and duties towards the country and the citizens.