UPSC Mains 2025 · GS IV · Q1(a) · 10 marks · 150 words

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.

हिन्दी में

मौजूदा डिजिटल युग में सोशल मीडिया ने संचार और बातचीत के तरीके में क्रांति ला दी है । हालाँकि इसने कई नैतिक मुद्दे और चुनौतियाँ खड़ी कर दी है । इस संबंध में मूल नैतिक दुविधाओं का वर्णन कीजिए ।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Examine the evolving nature of ethics in the digital age. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by advancements in technology and the role of governance in ensuring ethical standards in the digital realm.”

KoshinderAIR 588 · CSE 2023 · 204 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Digital age is bringing rapid transformation in lives of people. It has brought revolution in various fields including communication, workplace automation, virtual space etc.

Body · points

Ethical Challenges

  1. Right to privacy :- With growing digital footprint, vulnerability to loose one's privacy is also a challenge. [Eg] Cambridge Analytica scandal to influence elections.

  2. Hacking and Cybertheft :- There has been rise in incidents of hacking. [Eg] State sponsored attacks on Kudankulam nuclear plant.

  3. Biasness in latest technologies because of data set which is feeded. [Eg] AI chatbots shows biasness against minority communities.

  4. Have's v/s Have nots :- Rising digitalisation created another inequality in form of have's and have not's.

  5. Gender divide because of lack of focus on inclusivity.

  6. Misuse of technology. [Eg] Defamation through morphed videos, deep fakes etc. [Eg] Rashmika Mandhana deepfake.

Role of governance

  1. By setting up regulatory framework so that misuse can be avoided.
  2. By creating awareness and capacity building among users.
  3. International collaboration to tackle such global challenge. [Eg] GDPR of EU, Budapest Convention.
  4. By fixing accountability on digital service providers.
  5. By bringing legislations [Eg] IT Act 2000.

Close · a summary

Therefore ethical challenges are increasing in today's era with growing digital footprint of technology.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper IV, Q1(a). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.