The rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms has revolutionized entertainment, offering viewers a plethora of content across genres and languages. However, this unregulated access to films, series, and documentaries raises concerns about the potential impact of violent, obscene, and culturally disruptive material on society. As digital media becomes a dominant force shaping public perception, it is imperative to implement reasonable censorship to protect the next generation and ensure societal harmony.

Protecting the Next Generation

Children and teenagers are highly impressionable, and unrestricted exposure to explicit content, excessive violence, and inappropriate themes can have long-term psychological effects. Studies suggest that continuous engagement with such content can desensitize individuals to real-world violence and foster aggressive behavior. Without a proper filtering mechanism, the digital age may become a breeding ground for distorted moral values, leading to a desensitized generation incapable of differentiating right from wrong.

The Challenge of Information Detox

Humans are highly susceptible to the content they consume. Regular exposure to negative narratives, crime glorification, and hyper- sexualized material makes it difficult to detox from such influences. The mind adapts to repetitive stimuli, making disturbing themes seem normal over time. When content platforms continuously feed the masses with material that glorifies lawlessness and disrespect for cultural values, it results in a psychological shift that subtly erodes societal ethics and norms. Implementing censorship on such content can prevent digital platforms from becoming tools of slow and steady mental corrosion.

Glorification of Violence as Heroism

Presenting violent protagonists as heroes, reinforcing the idea that aggression and vigilantism are justifiable means to an end. While storytelling thrives on drama and action, excessive violence in mainstream content encourages aggressive tendencies among viewers, particularly impressionable youth. The fine line between fiction and reality blurs when individuals begin to perceive law-breaking actions as a legitimate way to achieve justice or power. This can result in societal unrest, an increase in criminal tendencies, and a weakening of lawful governance.

Cultural Disruption and Social Harmony

Every society functions on shared cultural and ethical values that ensure harmony and respect among its members. The influx of unfiltered foreign influences and hyper-liberal ideologies through OTT content can erode traditional values, causing identity crises among young audiences. While artistic freedom must be upheld, it is crucial to ensure that content does not deliberately mock, distort, or attack cultural and religious sentiments, which could lead to disharmony and widespread unrest. Balanced censorship is necessary to preserve cultural integrity while allowing creative expression.

Censorship Should Not Be a Political Tool

While there is an undeniable need for content regulation to curb violence, obscenity, and social disruption, censorship should never be used as a weapon to suppress free thought or opposition to governmental policies. Democratic societies thrive on the free exchange of ideas, even those that challenge the ruling party's stance. Content should be censored based on objective, well-defined guidelines rather than the subjective interests of political entities. The power to regulate media should be exercised to protect public interest, not to silence dissent.

Article by Arunkanth V. Follow Arunkanth V on LinkedIn