Q: In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.

Introduction

Social media has transformed the world into a connected digital community by empowering individuals to express, engage, and share instantly. However, this empowerment has brought a series of ethical dilemmas concerning truth, privacy, responsibility, and social harmony.

Key Ethical Dilemmas

Dimension	Ethical Dilemma
1. Freedom of Expression vs Responsible Speech	Balancing free speech with avoidance of hate, misinformation, or defamation.
2. Privacy vs Transparency	Data collection and surveillance by platforms threaten individual autonomy and consent.
3. Truth vs Virality	Spreading unverified or fake news for popularity undermines integrity and public trust.
4. Individual Autonomy vs Algorithmic Manipulation	Algorithms influence opinions, choices, and even elections—raising concerns of manipulation.
5. Public Good vs Profit Motive	Corporate prioritization of engagement and profit over user well-being or mental health.
6. Accountability vs Anonymity	Anonymity enables whistleblowing but also cyberbullying and trolling.
7. Real Identity vs Virtual Identity	Online personas can promote deceit, hypocrisy, or identity distortion.

Ethical Analysis

Deontological Ethics: Users and platforms have a duty to uphold honesty, respect, and dignity.
Utilitarian Ethics: Actions online should maximize collective good, not harm.
Virtue Ethics: Promotes self-regulation, empathy, and digital civility.

Conclusion

Social media is a double-edged sword—capable of spreading awareness or chaos. Ethical use requires a balance between freedom and responsibility, innovation and integrity. Cultivating digital ethics and moral awareness is essential for ensuring that social media strengthens, rather than divides, society.

Q: In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. | 2025