Technology as a “Knowledge Treasure Trove”
Following a tragic incident in Ghaziabad and growing calls in India—led by states like Andhra Pradesh—to ban social media for those under 16, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has voiced strong opposition. RGV argues that social media is not merely a “frivolous distraction” or a pastime, but a vital knowledge repository. He contends that platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok are the primary pipelines for real-time learning in the modern world, offering resources for coding, science, and entrepreneurship that often surpass traditional classroom education.
The Risk of a “Digital Handicap”
The director warned that if India moves forward with a ban similar to Australia’s, it will effectively “handicap” the next generation. He pointed out that children in countries without such restrictions will gain a massive competitive advantage by mastering digital tools early. By cutting off access, Varma believes India would be creating “digital latecomers” who are structurally behind in the global race for ideas and skills, essentially “destroying their lives” under the guise of protection.
Focus on Empowerment Over Prohibition
Addressing the concerns regarding offensive content and digital addiction, RGV stated that it is “foolish” to ban an entire technology due to the mistakes of a few. He argued that information speed is now a decisive factor in personal and national success. Rather than imposing a blanket ban that “outsources the information advantage to children elsewhere,” he suggests that the focus should be on digital literacy and helping children navigate the digital world safely, rather than leaving them in the dark.
