In the age of social media, the landscape of journalism and public discourse has transformed dramatically. Journalists like Ravish Kumar, Ajit Anjum, and Arfa Khanam, once celebrated for their incisive commentary and focus on social issues, now find themselves entangled in controversies that threaten their credibility. A significant issue is the behavior of their supporters, particularly on platforms like X, where some resort to abusive language and personal attacks instead of constructive criticism. This toxic trend not only damages the reputation of these journalists but also fuels the perception that they function as agents of political outfits, notably the Congress IT cell.
Ravish Kumar has long highlighted receiving abusive comments online, lamenting the vitriol directed at him. However, the situation has escalated, with fake accounts misusing his name and AI-generated images to spread offensive content and misinformation. Once discreet in sharing politically aligned content, Ravish now openly promotes material linked to the Congress IT cell, drawing accusations of hypocrisy as he criticizes others as “godi media.” This selective outrage raises questions about his consistency and impartiality.
Similarly, supporters of Ajit Anjum and Arfa Khanam often engage in derogatory language, targeting critics with insults rather than engaging in meaningful debate. Individuals like Ambrish Tyagi, using the journalists’ images on fake profiles, amplify this culture of abuse, further eroding their public image. Such actions paint these journalists as biased operatives, undermining their claims of independent journalism. The public increasingly views them as extensions of political IT cells, a perception strengthened by their supporters’ aggressive tactics.
Ironically, Ravish and others once justified abusive language as part of societal dialogue, citing films like Gangs of Wasseypur. Yet, when faced with similar abuse, they condemned it as harmful. This shift highlights a double standard. The question remains: will they take concrete steps, such as filing police complaints against fake accounts or disavowing their supporters’ toxic behavior? Or will they continue merely posing questions without addressing accountability?
This culture of abuse on social media not only tarnishes the image of these journalists but also undermines the principles of ethical journalism. For Ravish, Ajit, and Arfa to restore their credibility, they must confront this issue head-on, distancing themselves from divisive rhetoric and fostering a more civil discourse.
