Why Freedom of Speech and Social Media Algorithms Matter

Newsreel Asia Insight #74
Dec. 16, 2023

The recent storming of the Lok Sabha by a group of young individuals is a breach of security but also a glaring indicator of a growing sense of suffocation felt by the youth in India, who are finding their voices muffled and their concerns ignored, leading to extreme measures for attention and action.

On Dec. 13, six young individuals, armed with gas canisters, made their way into the Lok Sabha, aimed at drawing attention to a range of issues plaguing the country – from the alleged rise of “dictatorship” to the persistent problems of unemployment, price inflation, ongoing violence in Manipur and the struggles faced by farmers, as reported by The Wire.

Among the protesters, two names stand out: Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D., who entered the Parliamentary premises. Their associates, Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde, were apprehended while voicing their dissent loudly outside the building. The group, reportedly followers of the Bhagat Singh Fan Club, sought to emulate the freedom fighter’s historic defiance against British rule.

This incident reflects what might be described as “expression claustrophobia,” where people or groups feel their voices and concerns are constantly ignored or silenced by those in charge. This problem is made worse by the profit-driven algorithms of social media. These platforms promise a fair chance for everyone to share their message widely – the idea that now anyone can reach a large audience. However, they often end up being very limiting, especially for those who truly care about democracy and the rights to freedom of speech and political participation.

This sense of suffocation, stemming from a lack of avenues for peaceful and effective expression, can lead to extreme actions as seen in the Parliament storming. It’s a pressure cooker scenario: when legitimate channels for dialogue and dissent are blocked, the pressure builds up until it finds a release, often in unpredictable and volatile ways.

When a government seems indifferent to its citizens’ needs and complaints, particularly those of young people, trust in democratic institutions gradually erodes. It’s a conflict between the aspirations of the youth and the realities of the socio-political landscape. In such situations, defiant acts, like storming a parliament, are signs of deep desperation.

In India, this issue is especially evident through high unemployment rates, economic difficulties and a perceived gap between the government and many of its citizens. Young people, who represent the future of any nation, are in search of opportunities, meaningful involvement in the political process and platforms to express their concerns. When these needs go unaddressed and peaceful protests face harsh responses, it results in feelings of disillusionment and alienation.

Recently, Sri Lanka, where the government began to return to authoritarianism following the 2019 Easter bombings, experienced significant protests triggered by an economic crisis that led to severe shortages of vital supplies, including fuel and medicines. The country also faced extensive electricity outages, skyrocketing inflation, and widespread hardship, affecting millions. These conditions threatened the fundamental rights of the population to health, education, and an adequate standard of living, highlighting the critical impact of economic stability on basic human rights.

This situation is exacerbated by the widening gap between policy and practice. While governments may highlight their commitments to development, education and employment, the on-the-ground realities often tell a different story. This gap fuels frustration among young people who find themselves equipped with education and skills but face limited opportunities to utilise them effectively.

The storming of the Lok Sabha could be a dramatic illustration of this growing chasm. And it challenges the narrative of a progressive, inclusive India and instead paints a picture of a nation struggling to channel the energies and aspirations of its youth in positive directions.

To address these challenges, there needs to be a concerted effort to open up channels of communication between the government and the youth. This could involve establishing forums for dialogue, where young people can express their concerns and feel heard.

There’s a need to also address the underlying issues that fuel such protests – like unemployment, economic disparity, prolonged violence and political disenfranchisement – is crucial. This requires not just policy changes but a shift in the approach to governance, one that is more inclusive, transparent and responsive to the needs of all sections of society.