LNAT Practice Test Essay – In cases of online harassment or bullying, should platforms or individuals be held responsible? Explain.

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2024 and 2025, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

In cases of online harassment or bullying, should platforms or individuals be held responsible? Explain.

This LNAT essay question is included in LawMint LNAT Practice Test series.

While the model essays may include both sides of an argument, the question may require you to state your stance - either for or against; and support it with arguments.

Read our articles and watch the videos on our YouTube channel for guidance on how to structure and write the LNAT Essay.

Introduction

With the rapid growth of the internet and social media platforms, instances of online harassment and bullying have become increasingly prevalent. The anonymity and ease of communication that the internet provides have created an environment where individuals can harass and bully others without immediate consequences. As a result, the question arises: in cases of online harassment or bullying, should platforms or individuals be held responsible? This essay will explore the extent to which both platforms and individuals should bear responsibility for online harassment and bullying, and the potential implications of placing responsibility on either party.

Responsibility of Individuals

One argument posits that individuals should be held responsible for their actions online, including instances of harassment or bullying. This perspective is grounded in the belief that every person should be accountable for their behavior, regardless of the medium through which it occurs. By holding individuals responsible, this approach aims to deter potential harassers and bullies by establishing consequences for their actions. Additionally, it underscores the importance of fostering a culture of empathy and respect both online and offline.

However, critics of this perspective argue that holding individuals solely responsible may not be sufficient in addressing the systemic issue of online harassment and bullying. Given the vast number of users and the anonymity that the internet provides, identifying and punishing individuals can be challenging, if not impossible, in some cases. Furthermore, this approach does not address the role that platforms play in enabling or amplifying harmful behaviors.

Responsibility of Platforms

An alternative argument suggests that platforms should be held responsible for instances of online harassment and bullying that occur on their sites. This perspective contends that platforms have a duty to create and maintain safe online spaces for their users by implementing policies and features to prevent and address harassment and bullying. By holding platforms responsible, this approach aims to encourage companies to invest in more robust moderation tools, implement strict community guidelines, and create mechanisms for users to report and block harassers and bullies.

Critics of this perspective argue that placing responsibility on platforms may infringe upon the principles of free speech and expression. They contend that platforms may become overly cautious in their moderation efforts, resulting in the censorship of legitimate and diverse opinions. Additionally, holding platforms responsible for the actions of their users may be burdensome for smaller companies that lack the resources to invest in advanced moderation tools and large moderation teams.

A Balanced Approach

Given the complexities surrounding online harassment and bullying, a balanced approach that acknowledges the responsibilities of both individuals and platforms may be the most effective solution. Individuals should be held accountable for their actions and encouraged to foster a culture of respect and empathy online. This could be achieved through legal consequences for severe cases of harassment and bullying or through social repercussions, such as public shaming or exclusion from online communities.

Platforms, on the other hand, should be required to implement policies and tools to prevent and address harassment and bullying on their sites. This could include developing comprehensive community guidelines, providing users with mechanisms to report and block harassers, and investing in advanced moderation tools that can detect and remove harmful content. At the same time, platforms must balance these efforts with the need to uphold principles of free speech and expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the issue of online harassment and bullying requires the shared responsibility of both individuals and platforms. Individuals must be held accountable for their actions and should strive to create a respectful and empathetic online environment. Platforms, on the other hand, must invest in the development and implementation of policies and tools that prevent and address harassment and bullying while preserving free speech and expression. By working together, individuals and platforms can create a safer and more inclusive internet for all.