The striking reality of our time is how quickly social media users become judgmental about others. They seem far more invested in other people’s lives, decisions, and personal choices than in their own. This constant obsession with “thinking about others to the point of losing sleep” is gradually turning into a kind of psychological problem. Under the banner of freedom of speech, forcing one’s opinions onto others to gain a sense of mental gratification has become disturbingly common. What often goes unnoticed is that this behaviour itself is rooted in an inner psychological imbalance, something the perpetrators rarely acknowledge.
In any society, it is natural for people with diverse ideologies, tastes, and ways of thinking to coexist. As long as a person or their beliefs do not harm you, society, or the state, no one has the moral right to harbour negativity or pass judgment against them. If someone truly cares about society, they should inspire others through their actions. One’s lifestyle and behaviour should be the proof that their ideology or values are superior, not loud condemnation. If someone chooses to wear a T-shirt and jeans, that is their personal preference. If someone else chooses a burqa or hijab, that too is a personal choice. No one has the right to demean or attack others based on such preferences.
Forcing one’s thoughts onto others is never graceful. No matter how noble an idea may be, when it is imposed, it becomes irritating, and over time, even frightening. Sadly, this is exactly what we witness most often on social networks today. Trolling has now become a fashion. Celebrities, actors, singers, journalists, and politicians – no one seems to be spared. Racism, body shaming, slut-shaming, obscene abuse, rumours, and so-called media trials have become the daily bread of social media.
There is no need to look far. Just a few days ago, singer Tahsan and anchor Rafsan became victims of vicious trolling. Tahsan announced the end of his second marriage, while Rafsan entered into a second marriage. Where exactly is the crime here? Yet, it felt as if neighbours lost their sleep over it. Ordinary personal matters were dragged into a public courtroom, verdicts were passed, and punishments were declared, as if divorce or second marriage has never happened before in human history. Do such things not happen in the lives of ordinary people, or are they forbidden only for celebrities? We rarely stop to consider how much mental pressure such trolling places on them and their families. They have emotions. They have loved ones. This minimum level of humanity is often forgotten, while we proudly assume ourselves to be intellectually superior.
Sadly, most users in our country seem more interested in using social media negatively. They are experts at spreading hatred and hostility. Yet, the same platforms hold immense potential for positive change. In many countries, social media usage is regulated by age limits. Perhaps it is time for us to consider the same. With a free account in hand, we appear more eager to spread hatred than goodness, while completely ignoring the brighter possibilities these platforms offer.
This ‘addiction’ is a global phenomenon, and it’s spreading gradually. People who were never busy are now glued to social handle. But there’s a flip side – relationships are getting spoiled due to overuse. Users get lost in the virtual world, forgetting social life and family obligations. They check notifications, chats, update statuses, upload photos… it’s endless.
Facebook arrived in Bangladesh in mid-2006, and now it’s got crores of users. The problem is, users forget they’ve got real lives too. I saw this firsthand at a hospital – a relative visited a patient but spent the whole time on his phone. Didn’t say a word to the patient! After he left, the patient joked, “Why doesn’t the government ban Facebook?”
But it’s not just about overuse – it’s about how we’re using social media. Users are quick to judge others, more invested in people’s lives than their own. This obsession with “thinking about others” is turning into a psychological problem. Under the guise of freedom of speech, we’re forcing opinions onto others. The impact’s real – mental pressure, strained relationships, and a society that’s more divided. Tech progress can’t be stopped, but excess of anything’s bad. We’re not against social media – it’s great for sharing news, views, and connecting people. The issue’s when it decreases social values. People spend too much time online, losing touch with real people and what’s important.
What can we do? Use social media mindfully. Think before you type. And respect others’ boundaries – online and offline. As we say, “Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to harass.” Let’s make social media a space that uplifts, not one that dehumanises.
The writer is a journalist and freelance writer
