Q7. Explain how social media visibility pressures can affect public servants’ objectivity. Suggest ethical guidelines for digital conduct in public office. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
Governance today operates under constant public gaze, where social media can reshape administrative behaviour, ethical judgement, and citizen trust. It tests how civil service values like objectivity, neutrality and integrity survive in a visibility-driven environment.
Key Demand of the question
The question demands explaining the mechanisms through which social media pressures distort objectivity in public decision-making. It also asks for ethical guidelines that can regulate digital conduct while protecting neutrality, accountability and public trust.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Define the idea of “visibility pressure” in public office and link it to objectivity as a core civil service value.Body
- Explain how social media visibility can influence administrative objectivity through perception management, partisan signalling risks, and decision-making driven by outrage or popularity rather than evidence.
- Suggest ethical guidelines for digital conduct focusing on neutrality, restraint, privacy, legality, accountability, and clear separation between personal presence and official communication.
Conclusion
End by stressing that ethical digital behaviour is now part of probity, and visibility must serve transparency, not personal branding.
