In a world increasingly shaped by screens rather than lived experiences, the battle for influence is no longer fought in classrooms or households it is being waged on mobile phones. India today stands at a similar crossroads, albeit within a vastly different political and cultural framework.

Unlike China, India cannot and should not impose blanket restrictions on content. Our democracy thrives on freedom of expression. However, freedom without responsibility, especially in an age of algorithm-driven consumption, can become a silent disruptor. Platforms such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and OTT ecosystems have created a parallel reality where luxury is normalised, struggle is erased, and success is portrayed as effortless and immediate. Scroll through any social media feed in India today, and a pattern emerges.

Lavish lifestyles, expensive cars, designer clothes, and curated perfection dominate the screen. Influencers project a life where money flows easily, relationships are glamorous, and problems are either temporary or non-existent. For a young population many of whom are battling unemployment, academic pressure, and economic uncertainty this content does more than entertain. It shapes expectations.

But the distortion does not stop at wealth and success. Indian television and digital storytelling, particularly long-running soap operas and sensational web content, are increasingly guilty of reshaping deeper social narratives sometimes irresponsibly. In the race for TRPs and digital engagement, storytelling often drifts away from reality into exaggerated, fabricated, and at times divisive portrayals.

Cultural and even religious identities are occasionally depicted in poor taste, with certain communities shown through........

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