Mirwaiz calls for responsible conduct by media, social media users

Srinagar: Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday called for responsible conduct by media and social media users, urging them to uphold restraint and moral accountability in public conduct.Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid here, the Mirwaiz urged individuals, society, and especially the media to uphold responsibility, restraint, and moral accountability in public conduct.

He said every individual carries a responsibility for which they will be answerable.This applies to parents, teachers, traders, leaders, public figures and also the media which plays a major role in shaping public opinion, Farooq said.The media is an important pillar of society and social media today has assumed great significance, he said.

“When used with wisdom and responsibility, it informs and strengthens society. However, when used only to gain followers, viewership or TRP without considering its impact, it can cause serious harm,” the Mirwaiz added.Referring to a recent viral video in which a minor child was asked about heat and school holidays, he expressed concern over such content.

Farooq said society must ask whether minor children should be exposed to social media in this manner and used for public reactions without understanding the consequences.He said children are the future and the questions asked of them and the content they are exposed to shape their thinking, and added that children cannot be treated as tools for entertainment, publicity or social media engagement.

Stressing that responsible media and social media require sensitivity and accountability, the cleric said those who hold cameras and microphones must remember that they carry a responsibility before society and before God.He appealed to media persons, content creators and social media users to act with care, restraint and responsibility.The Mirwaiz also urged people to share content with wisdom and discretion, and said public discourse, even in disagreement, should reflect maturity, respect and moral responsibility, so that children have a good example before them.