Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday called for greater responsibility and ethical conduct among media professionals and social media users, saying those holding cameras and microphones must remain mindful of their moral and social obligations while creating and sharing content.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, the Mirwaiz said every individual is accountable for the responsibilities entrusted to them, irrespective of their profession or position in society.
Quoting a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — “Every one of you is a guardian, and every one of you will be questioned about those under his care” — he said the principle of accountability applies to parents, teachers, traders, leaders, public figures and the media, which plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
Describing the media as a vital pillar of society, the Mirwaiz said social media has emerged as an equally influential platform in the digital age. While it has the potential to educate and strengthen society when used responsibly, he cautioned that the pursuit of followers, viewership and online popularity without regard for its consequences can inflict serious social harm.
Without naming anyone, the Mirwaiz referred to a recently circulated viral video in which a minor child was questioned about the prevailing heatwave and school holidays, and the child’s impolite response was widely broadcast on social media. He said such incidents raise serious concerns about exposing children to public scrutiny and using them to generate online engagement without considering the long-term impact.
Emphasising that children are the future of society, he said the questions posed to them, as well as the content they consume and participate in, significantly influence their thoughts and values. “Children cannot be reduced to tools for entertainment, publicity or increasing social media engagement,” he said.
The Mirwaiz urged journalists, content creators and social media influencers to recognise the responsibility that comes with holding cameras and microphones, adding that they are accountable both to society and to Allah for the content they produce and disseminate.
Appealing to media professionals and the public alike, he called for restraint and discretion in creating, sharing and promoting content. He said the character of society in the digital age would largely depend on what people choose to watch, endorse and circulate, stressing that even differences of opinion should be expressed with maturity, respect and moral responsibility so that children grow up with positive examples before them.
