TNI Editorial: Social media promised to connect people, democratise expression and amplify diverse voices. Instead, it has increasingly become a space where civility is sacrificed for virality. Personal attacks, abusive language, misinformation and public shaming often generate more engagement than reasoned debate. Anonymity and algorithm-driven outrage have blurred the line between criticism and harassment, making respectful disagreement seem outdated.

While technology is not the problem, the way it’s used certainly is. Freedom of expression carries the responsibility of decency. Restoring empathy, restraint and mutual respect online is essential if social media is to remain a platform for meaningful dialogue, not perpetual hostility.