FORECAST

2013

SOCIALNETWORK

POLITICS IN 140 CHARACTERS

Social media is where the battle for freedom of thought will be fought
By Shiv Aroor

POSTATYOUR OWN PERIL

In October 2012, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambarams son Karti filed a complaint with Puducherry Police against businessman Ravi Sreenivasan for certain tweets. On October 30, the man was arrested under Section 66A of the Information Technology Act. He was released on bail the next day but the case against him hasnt been dropped or withdrawn. The constitutional validity of the draconian Section 66A is now being examined by the Supreme Court, which is expected to make its views known this month. The Government is already under pressure to amend the law. In 2013, a lot more litigation for libel and defamation will arise from what people say on Twitter or Facebook.
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CONFESSION CORNER
On December 29, media professional Sonika Bhasin was deluged with support after she announced on Twitter that she was about to expose her friends father, a retired Army officer, who had abused her when she was 13. She wasnt the first to out a secret on Twitter, but in 2013 it will become much more common.

At 4.58 p.m. on Christmas 2012, Delhi student Shambhavi Saxena tweeted, All of us women were just brutally attacked by police at Parliament Street PS. Ten minutes later, she tweeted, Woman constable beat me up, pulled my hair and slammed me into a wall. Three days later, retired Lt-Gen H.S. Panag put out his mobile number on Twitter, sparking a movement where hundreds are adding their numbers to a list, promising to drop everything and help a woman in distress. Social media is no longer a world. It is the world, a matrix of intertwined messages and resultant mayhem. What will trend in this universe in 2013?

BIG BROTHER STEPS IT UP

Intelligence agencies have been busy setting up listening posts on social networking sites. As 2012 ended, there was talk of a comprehensive social media policy, which Union minister Manish Tewari has been quick to say is to engage, not regulate. This year, expect much more Big Brother on Twitter and Facebook.

FIRST PORT OF CALL FOR HELP

During the November 17 and 18 lockdown after Bal Thackerays death, Mumbaikars turned to Twitter to find ways back home. In the October dengue outbreak in Delhi, people called for platelets on Twitter. In 2013, Twitter will become the first port of call for help of all kinds, from real help to advice/attention.

ENTER THE POLITICIAN

On January 24, 2012, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made his debut on Twitter. On August 14, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, 89, followed suit. As the country gets increasingly into election mode, there will be less social media snobbery from our netas.

10 MOST WANTED ON TWITTER

RAJINIKANTH Even when absent,hes an epic presence across Twitter.Guess the joke if he actually signs up.Yes,Twitter joins Rajinikanth. RAHUL GANDHI Fewpeople are jeered at more on Twitter than him.Even Narendra Modi must feel weird hitting out at someone who just isn't there. If Rahul really wants to represent youth power,he should sign up. MUKESH AMBANI Knowing Twitter,heres a sampling of what hed be asked if he ever chooses to sign up: How did you make all that
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INDIA TODAY JANUARY 14, 2013

They are huge draws even in absentia. Time to sign up.

BABA RAMDEV Arunning feud on Twitter has groups attack each other in the yoga gurus name.Why doesnt he defend himself? RAKESH JHUNJHUNWALA A parody of the stock market mogul has a committed fan base of over 55,000 followers.Could the real Mr Jhunjhunwala Twitter handle please stand up? GEN V.K. SINGHAs the ex-Army chief intensifies his stir against UPA,the General will find a ready throng of supporters on Twitter.

money? Whats with that house of yours? Can we come watch a movie on your iMax screen? RAVI SHASTRI His sometimes stupefying commentary makes him trend often on Twitter. He should sign up just so theres somewhere people can point their mirth. KAREENA KAPOOR Her slightly snooty,hands-off approach would work supremelywell on Twitter as well. She could also convince husband Saif,the only big Khan who isnt on Twitter,

to sign up as well. ARUNDHATI ROY Her powerful opinions make her tailor-made for Twitter.Its only fair that shes there to give it back to those who pour scorn on her every time she writes or speaks. But yes,shell have to learn to restrict herself to 140 characters. RAM JETHMALANI The ace lawyers penchant for stirring things up even within his own party,his made-for-media firebombing,and a bit of a reputation defending thugs like Manu Sharma will only ensure his follower count zooms.