Must Read : Mathematics - A Friend For Life

Shhh, Think Before You Speak!

We Speak What We Hear, We Do What We Observe

We are walking a fine line, surrounded by both physical and virtual worlds. While the real-world influences we encounter are limited and shaped by our personal choices, the virtual realm offers boundless opportunities for exposure. However, it's crucial to understand that not all virtual influences are harmful.

The internet presents both risks and rewards. While it can expose individuals to negative content, it also offers valuable tools like educational resources, social connections, and platforms for creative expression. Ultimately, the impact of the virtual world depends on how individuals choose to engage with and curate the content they encounter.

With easy access to virtually any content based on the age information you provide on social media, the impact on the brain can be profound. There is a reason why an infant is made to sit when they turn six months old. Similarly, content on social media can significantly impact the brain.

Research indicates that the prefrontal cortex, or frontal lobe—the part of the brain responsible for higher-order executive functions such as self-regulation, problem-solving, and decision-making—is shaped by an individual’s experiences. It is said to fully develop by the mid-twenties. However, it’s not just brain maturation that influences decision-making and self-regulation.

Experiences, particularly those involving decision-making and social interactions, also play a key role in shaping cognitive abilities. Therefore, it becomes crucial to consciously recognize vulnerabilities and keep oneself in check. Thus, it is wise to be cautious with our words and actions.

Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay

Our constitution provides us with the Freedom of Speech under Article 19(1)(a). This implies that all citizens have the right to express their views and opinions freely. This includes not only spoken words but also expression through writings, pictures, movies, banners, etc.

Freedom of speech not only recognizes speech but also recognizes silence. What guards our expression when we speak? Out of the many functions, it is important to note that the frontal lobe is responsible for reasoning and social understanding, which involves an understanding of social norms and helps determine what you should and should not do or say.

Article 19(2) also recognizes that freedom of speech cannot be absolute, as it might lead to chaos. Thus, it imposes restrictions on the right to freedom of speech and expression. These restrictions are in place to ensure security, sovereignty, and integrity of the country, friendly relations with foreign countries, public order, decency or morality, prevention of hate speech, defamation, and contempt of court.

It is crucial to note that these limitations are meant to protect the collective good and balance individual freedoms with societal stability. These restrictions are not arbitrary but are designed to prevent harm and maintain order. Thus, it is evident that freedom of speech needs to be exercised with responsibility and caution.

https://www.un.org/en/hate-speech/understanding-hate-speech/hate-speech-versus-freedom-of-speech

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mckln/14522082812

We are defined by what we speak. As social animals, human beings depend on external validation in social interaction. Using curse words is considered cool and accepted as a sign of discontent and aggression by many, but is this correct?

A recent incident involving a renowned YouTuber, who had received many popular awards and amassed a significant following on social media, now being questioned for his actions, sheds light on the dangers of this mentality. All his hard-earned glory has come down in the wake of this controversy. What lessons can we learn from him?

With great recognition comes greater responsibility: You are among those few blessed people who can influence a generation. Don’t take this lightly. Remember, what might feel cool at 20 might feel obscene at 40. It is all about maturity.
It’s all in the brain: Don’t be a slave to your mind; instead, master it by understanding how it works.
The power is within you: You are both your destroyer and your saviour.

Thus, knowledge of the fact that freedom of speech is not absolute, as stated by the constitution, can lead to more thoughtful consideration before exercising this freedom. It is essential to recognize that freedom of speech carries with it a responsibility to consider the impact on others, and that unchecked expression can lead to consequences that affect not just the speaker, but the wider community as well.

Just as clothes cover our body and contribute to our overall personality, similarly, consciously practicing respect, empathy, and dignity in our speech ensures that we live a life of dignity.

"सत्यम् वद, धर्मं चर, परोपकारं समाचर |
स्वतन्त्रेण भाषया न कदाचित् पापं कुर्यात् ||"
"Speak the truth, follow righteousness, engage in acts of kindness;
With freedom of speech, never cause harm or wrongdoing."

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