Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Introduce the answer by highlighting the significance of social media
• State the ethical concerns surrounding social media use by public servants
• Propose appropriate guidelines for ethical conduct
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Social media has revolutionized communication, offering unprecedented opportunities for public servants to connect with citizens, promote transparency, and build trust. However, this powerful tool presents a double-edged sword.

• Its misuse can undermine public trust, compromise sensitive information, and tarnish government reputations.

Body

Ethical Concerns Surrounding Social Media Use by Public Servants:

• Confidentiality and Privacy Public servants have access to sensitive information and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
  • Inadvertent disclosure of confidential information on social media can have serious consequences.
  • Example: An IAS officer posted on Instagram with their official vehicle even before the official announcement of the designation.
• Conflict of Interest: Social media interactions with companies or individuals seeking preferential treatment can create a perception of bias.
  • Example: A city council member endorses a construction company on social media before awarding them a contract.
• Misinformation and Bias: Public servants may struggle to maintain neutrality on controversial topics, potentially swaying public opinion.
  • Example: A police officer shares an unverified news article about a crime, fueling public outrage.
• Reputational Risk: Inappropriate personal posts or online behavior can damage the public image of the government.
  • Example: A diplomat's offensive social media comments ( like recent comments of Maldivian Politician on India’s Prime Minister social media post), spark a diplomatic crisis.
• Erosion of Public Trust: Excessive focus on personal lives or partisan posts can undermine public trust in the professionalism of public servants.
  • Example: A government official spends more time posting selfies and grand entry videos than engaging with people.
• Misuse of Official Resources: Public resources should be used solely for official purposes and not for personal gain or benefit.
  • Social media use during work hours or on government-issued devices can be considered a misuse of resources.
  • Example: A public servant using their official vehicles or office premises to make reels.

Proposed Guidelines for Ethical Conduct:

• Implement Robust Social Media Training: Provide comprehensive training programs on the appropriate use of social media for all public servants.
  • Making training mandatory and requiring periodic refresher courses to keep up with evolving social media trends and best practices.
• Clear Social Media Policy: Developing and implementing a comprehensive social media policy like the Uttar Pradesh Police recent Social Media Policy that outlines expectations, responsibilities, and boundaries for public servants.
  • Providing training and awareness programs to ensure understanding and compliance with the policy.
• Separation of Personal and Professional Accounts: Encouraging public servants to maintain separate personal and professional social media accounts.
  • Personal accounts should be clearly identified as such and not used for official purposes.
• Responsible Use of Official Resources: Clearly defining acceptable use of official resources, including devices, email accounts, and social media platforms.
  • Establishing mechanisms for monitoring and reporting misuse of resources.
• Professional Conduct and Accountability: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a high standard of professional conduct on social media.
  • Implementing disciplinary measures for breaches of conduct, such as inappropriate posts or behavior.

Conclusion

By implementing comprehensive guidelines and fostering a culture of ethical social media use, public servants can leverage the benefits of social media while upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and public service values.