FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION VS. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ANALYZING USER’S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The right to freedom of expression is highly expressed on social media now a days, whereas the responsible use of social media is crucial to emphasize. The present study aims to explore user's perspective regarding the right to freedom of expression on social media and ensuring social responsibility on a certain controversial issue. This study also investigates the user's awareness about censorship policies. Uses and Gratification theory and theory of Reasoned Planned Action provide theoretical framework to this study. Survey of active social media users revealed that there is a strong relation between social media usage and users irresponsible behavior while sharing content on social media on any controversial issue. There is also association between usage of users of digital media and their reaction to any controversial issue that curb right of opinion.