NewKerala.com

Key Points

A high-profile discussion in Jaipur revealed alarming insights about social media's role in modern terrorism. Military and diplomatic experts highlighted the growing threat of digital radicalization targeting vulnerable youth. They emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive national strategy to counter psychological manipulation online. The forum called for unified education and societal awareness as key defenses against extremist narratives.

Key Points: Social Media Terrorism Threat Alarms Experts at Jaipur Forum

  • - Military expert warns of cognitive warfare through digital platforms
  • Social media manipulating young minds
  • Urgent national strategy needed against digital brainwashing
  • Education crucial in combating radical ideologies
2 min read

'Social media is the new form of terrorism': Experts call for societal awakening

Military and diplomatic leaders warn of digital radicalization's dangerous impact on youth and national security in urgent dialogue.

"Social media is now rapidly becoming a new form of terrorism - Major General Sudhakar"

Jaipur, June 28

A thought-provoking discussion on the 'Role of Society Against Terrorism' was held on Saturday at the Constitution Club in Jaipur, under the banner of the Global Dialogue Forum 'Vishwam' on Saturday.

The session saw prominent voices, including Major General Sudhakar, former diplomat Gauri Shankar Gupta, and thinker Ashutosh Pant, expressing grave concerns over radicalisation and the growing threat of digital terrorism.

Major General Sudhakar warned that social media has become a new tool for terrorism, facilitating cognitive warfare, a psychological battle aimed at misleading and manipulating young minds.

He emphasised the urgent need for a national strategy to counter digital brainwashing, cautioning that if extremist narratives are not challenged, they will alter the very fabric of society.

Major General Sudhakar said that "social media is now rapidly becoming a new form of terrorism."

He said that today, cognitive warfare, i.e. psychological warfare, is being used to mentally mislead the youth. He said that if we do not change the false and extremist narrative, then it will change us. He stressed the need to formulate a national strategy against digital brainwashing.

Former diplomat Gauri Shankar Gupta advocated for a unified education system across India to preserve social cohesion. He stressed that fragmented education models breed division and weaken the collective fight against radical ideologies.

He also backed the swift implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to ensure a common legal framework for all citizens.

Gupta called for uniting the society against terrorism and advocated the implementation of a uniform education system across the country. He said that different types of education systems are fatal to social unity.

Ashutosh Pant highlighted the importance of cultivating an aware, value-driven society, stating that terrorism can only be tackled effectively when citizens are morally and intellectually engaged.

Forum founders Vikrant Singh and Murari Gupta underlined the objective of the event, which is to address pressing societal concerns and shape a concrete action plan.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I agree social media can be dangerous, calling it "terrorism" seems exaggerated. The real issue is lack of critical thinking skills. Parents need to teach kids how to verify information before sharing. Education reform is key!
A
Ananya R
Uniform education system is a must! But implementation should be sensitive to regional languages and cultures. We can't have one-size-fits-all approach in diverse India. Also, why only blame social media? TV news channels spread more toxicity daily! 😤
V
Vikram M
Major General is absolutely right! Foreign powers are using social media to destabilize India. Look at the fake farmer protest narratives. We need cyber defense forces like China has. Jai Hind!
P
Priya S
Instead of just complaining, we need practical solutions. Can the government create verified information portals? Can schools teach media literacy? Can social media companies be held accountable for harmful content? Action speaks louder than seminars!
K
Karthik V
The real terrorism is poverty and unemployment that makes youth vulnerable to radicalization. Fix the economy first! No amount of social media regulation will help if young people have no future.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50