The Dark Side and the Light of the Indian Internet: An Examination of Online Behavior and Ethical Boundaries

The vast and diverse Indian internet scene is a fascinating blend of educational excellence, social commentary, and sometimes, instances of misconduct. This article delves into two notable examples that have gained traction online, highlighting the extremes of online behavior in the country. These events bring to light the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries in the digital realm.

Respecting Boundaries: Rakshita Singh Bangar's Pragmatic Approach

In November 2023, 23-year-old Rakshita Singh Bangar, a biology teacher and MBBS student, became an internet sensation for her commendable response to a student's provocatively sexual question in an online class. The student queried, 'how is a baby born mam do a practical,' which required a measured and professional response from the educator. Rakshita's response, however, was anything but scripted; she handled the situation with maturity and respect, mirroring how a mature elder would address a child who had crossed boundaries.

Rakshita's composed and direct reply was as follows: 'Get it done from your mom. Your mom has done it actually. Son, I am unmarried. I don’t have practical knowledge. Your mom has done it. Ask her. Before commenting on someone’s sister, daughter, or mother, imagine your own… You are kids. I am 4–5 years elder to you. My MBBS is almost over. So before your NEET ends, I will be a doctor. I am not going to take all this. Not going to entertain anything like that.'

Contrast and Concern: The Misconduct of Navneet Tiwari and Sona Sharma

In a stark contrast, a recent incident involving Navneet Tiwari, a teacher at the learning platform Adda247, and his female colleague, Sona Sharma, has raised serious ethical concerns. During an online class titled 'Biggest Surprise Reveal,' Navneet Tiwari proposed to Sona, which quickly turned into a controversial and inappropriate moment that became a viral recording.

Sona Sharma's response was initially guilty and acceptance, indicating that she had not anticipated the sensitive nature of the situation. She said, 'to be honest, I never thought this moment would be recorded live' and accepted the proposal. This sequence of events sparked outrage among internet users, who pointed out the ethical lapses and the boundaries that were disregarded.

Reflections on the Internet and Digital Ethics

The contrasting examples of Rakshita and Navneet illustrate the varying ethical standards that can exist in the digital domain. While Rakshita's maturity and professionalism in handling the situation set a positive precedent, the actions of Tiwari and Sharma reveal alarming breaches of professional and personal boundaries.

Such incidents highlight the importance of maintaining clear ethical guidelines in digital spaces, particularly in the educational and professional contexts. Institutions must implement robust policies to prevent such misconduct and ensure a safe and respectful online environment.

Conclusion

The Indian internet is rich with varied experiences and interactions, but it is crucial to navigate it with respect, professionalism, and ethical awareness. As the digital space continues to evolve, so too must our understanding and adherence to these ethical standards.