Sonal Mehrotra is a Senior Correspondent with NDTV 24x7.
We all know the rules of the game when it comes to social media, especially the immensely popular Facebook and Twitter. As much as they play a role in democratising information- sharing and enabling instant access to latest developments, things often get out of control and it becomes difficult to separate fact from fiction.
As a television journalist, who uses these social networking tools everyday as part of my job, I am well aware of their power - the power to assist and inform, as well as the power to disrupt and ruin. I have received many insults and brickbats online- that is par for the course.
#ndtvgirlasks was trending heavily. The student was trolled with relentless venom for asking if the benefits of growth in India would be limited to Hindu males because 'with the new government coming in we're noticing some disturbing trends of forces of communalism and patriarchy entering the economy.'
Even a fleeting glance at the student would reveal zero resemblance between her and me. But why should this trivial technicality come in the way of a 'made-to-malign' campaign against an independent and objective news organisation?
Tweet after tweet calling me names, questioning my upbringing and my family, insulting my school and native place were hurled at me. Some even went to the extent of saying how i was unfit to be a news reporter.
Two young women are being attacked, their character is being questioned. Is this what we believe in as discourse?
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