SHOULD BLOGS BE REGULATED

This was the topic of discussion in this week's episode of 'We, The People'.

These are very trying and testing times for the urban youth. In today's age, when every individual is pressed for time, blogs provide an ideal way to express oneself. However, a virtual world is still that. Its not real and the expressions are just one way most of the time. But nevertheless, blogging has reshaped the way we look at the internet. It has singlehandedly given people the space for expression, breaking all the barriers and shackles, all the norms followed in the society.

Although the bone of contention was whether blogs should be regulated legally or not, the participants were more eager to discuss their reasons for blogging, whether blogging can ever replace journalism, whether bloggers are professional enough that they should be paid for what they write. An important point which came up during the duscussion was how much are the bloggers willing to reveal of themselves. In the process, are they undermining their privacy? One of the participants openly claimed about her desire for sex on her blog. Another one unabashedly declared that he is a gay on his blog. I interpret this as a way to disclose something personal about oneself behind the disguise of a digital device. Isnt it so much easier to say i am a gay knowing that no harm is going to come my way?

Then this brings us to the next important point on malicious and spiteful comments. How is one going to control that? How can one regulate the hate posts which are directed at the blogger and not the post? The most nastiest and spiteful comments as- Jhoomur Bose of IBN. Com- said ALWAYS come from anoynomous bloggers. These kinds hide behind the virtual world to vent out their anger and frustration at the world. These basically constitute of spineless creatures who are too scared to have an alternative opinion thrown at them.

Now the question, should blogs be regulated or not. The virtual world is too large to have a control over it. It would be nearly impossible to regulate the contents when most of them are free, require no registration fees and are merely looked upon as devices to express yourself. But then what abouth the instigating and inflammatory ones which lead to what is known as blog wars in the virtual world? I feel a certain amount of credibility should be accounted for just like it is in the case of print and electronic media. However the final word should remain with the individual blogger. It is upto us- bloggers- to use this medium as responsibly as possible. Just like in real world, words can make or break you, so it is in the virtual world. Curbing the medium is not the solution, using it with a sense of accountability is certainly one.

Just a last word on the power of communication:
"ITS NOT ENOUGH TO SHOW PEOPLE HOW TO LIVE BETTER,
THERE IS A MANDATE FOR EVERY GROUP WITH ENORMOUS POWERS OF COMMUNICATION TO SHOW PEOPLE HOW PEOPLE HOW TO BE BETTER."
Manya Mannes