Net etiquette for leaders

Social media etiquette is still evolving. Prominent people — celebrities, filmstars, sports heroes and political leaders — are often caught on the wrong foot as what they say or write is followed by millions. Congress leader Digvijay Singh was the latest to fall into the trap of retweeting without thinking of the consequences. Sending on a derogatory remark about the PM, the career politician sounded unctuous in his own defence in saying a retweet wasn’t an endorsement. That is a careless remark, given that people were jailed for such offences, regardless of whether the UPA or NDA was in power. Thoughtless retweets aren’t for those who represent India’s modern ruling class.

The point Digvijay Singh makes about the PM not tweeting about Gauri Lankesh’s murder falls flat as it’s the PM’s choice on what he wishes to comment on. However, his pointing out the defect of the PM not “unfollowing” four social media users who used abusive language against the slain journalist is valid criticism that must be noted. It is incumbent upon the PMO to take into account such lapses pointed out and filter out such elements who breach the informal code of social media behaviour. Millions may follow the PM, yet when it becomes known those private citizens who freely defy conventional norms are present in their public domain, action should be taken to exclude them. As an acerbic Opposition politician, Digvijay may not be bothered about always being politically correct. It’s different for the PM, who represents the nation, and must set an example in the evolving world of social media.