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Introduction             

Values are important and enduring beliefs or principles, based on which an individual makes judgements in life. Ethical and moral values in governance are foundations for building trust, ensuring accountability, and fostering transparency within society. Integrity, fairness, rule of law are some of the ethical and moral values to be followed in governance.

In recent years, social media and citizen journalism have emerged as significant players in promoting these values, however, their influence is multifaceted, presenting both opportunities and challenges. 

“Without ethics, governance is but a house of cards, vulnerable to the winds of self-interest and manipulation.” – Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations. 

Body 

Positive role of social media and citizen journalism in ensuring ethical and moral values in governance 

• Promoting Accountability: These platforms hold public officials accountable, as citizens can directly question and critique their actions. The Delhi government’s introduction of the e-SLA monitoring system is an example where social media feedback led to improved accountability in service delivery.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Citizen journalism brings to light issues affecting marginalized communities, ensuring their concerns are addressed in governance. The use of social media to highlight the plight of manual scavengers in India has brought attention to this inhumane practice, prompting government action towards eradication.
• Fighting Corruption: Social media and citizen journalism have become effective tools in uncovering and reporting corruption. Eg: The 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement gained momentum through social media, leading to significant public support and the eventual establishment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas to investigate corruption cases. 
•   Enhancing Policy Making: By gathering public opinion and feedback through social media, governments can make more informed and ethical policy decisions. The MyGov platform is an example where the Indian government invites suggestions from citizens on various policy matters.
• Spreading Awareness on Rights and Duties: Social media educates citizens about their rights and duties, promoting a more informed and responsible society. Campaigns like “Know Your Rights” by various NGOs use social media to spread awareness, encouraging ethical engagement with governance.
• Encouraging Whistleblowing: Platforms like Twitter have enabled whistleblowers to expose unethical practices within governments and organizations, leading to investigations and reforms. Eg: exposure of the Vyapam scam in India is a notable example where social media played a crucial role in bringing the issue to light.
• Promoting Social Justice: Social media campaigns have been pivotal in mobilizing support for social justice causes, influencing policy changes and promoting ethical governance. Eg: Nirbhaya case led to widespread outrage on social media, which was instrumental in fast-tracking changes to laws on sexual assault in India.
• Enhancing Disaster Response and Management: Social media has been used effectively for coordinating disaster response and relief efforts, showcasing governance that is responsive and responsible. Eg: During the Kerala floods in 2018, social media platforms were crucial in organizing relief operations and disseminating information.
• Building Community Engagement: Social media fosters a sense of community and collective action, encouraging ethical behavior and governance. Eg: “Daan Utsav” (Joy of Giving Week) in India sees wide participation promoted through social media, highlighting the role of civic responsibility in governance.

Limitations associated with social media and citizen journalism in ensuring ethical and moral values in governance 

• Spread of Misinformation: Social media can facilitate the rapid spread of false information, undermining informed decision-making. Eg: 2020 Delhi riots saw the circulation of fake news on social media, exacerbating tensions and misleading the public, highlighting the challenge of ensuring accurate information dissemination.
• Echo Chambers: They often create echo chambers, where users are exposed only to viewpoints similar to their own, hindering the development of a well-rounded understanding of governance issues. Eg: polarization observed during the CAA protests in India was partly attributed to such echo chambers, limiting constructive dialogue.
• Lack of Accountability: Citizen journalists may not adhere to the same ethical standards as professional journalists, leading to unverified reporting. The spread of unconfirmed reports during the Jat reservation agitation in Haryana caused unnecessary panic and social unrest, showcasing the need for responsible journalism.
• Manipulation and Propaganda: Governments and political entities can manipulate social media for propaganda, undermining democratic processes. The alleged use of social media during elections to influence voter perception as seen in the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal raises concerns about the ethical use of these platforms.
• Cyberbullying and Harassment: Social media can be a tool for harassment, especially against dissenting voices, affecting the ethical discourse in governance. Eg: According to a survey by UNESCO, 73% of women journalists have experienced online violence, deterring them from participating in governance-related discussions.
• Digital Divide: It limits the effectiveness of social media and citizen journalism in promoting ethical governance, as not all citizens have equal access to these platforms. Eg: According to a 2023 report by the IAMAI, only 29% of rural India has access to the internet, compared to 64% of urban India, highlighting the challenge of inclusivity.
• Sensationalism: The quest for viral content can lead to sensationalism, overshadowing important governance issues with trivial or sensational news. Eg: coverage of celebrity scandals often receives more attention than critical governance issues, diverting public focus from matters of ethical importance. 

Conclusion

As it is said, “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating.” Through informed and ethical use of social media, we can empower citizens and strengthen the pillars of democracy. Thus, there is a need for enhancing digital literacy, promoting ethical journalism, and facilitating inclusive dialogue to harness these tools for the greater good, ensuring ethical governance. 

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