Why have Indians become so toxic on X 'Twitter'?

X ‘Twitter’ was once a space for open conversations, creativity, and connecting with people worldwide. But lately, it feels like it’s become a war zone, especially in Indian circles. Scroll through any trending hashtag, and you’ll likely find heated arguments, name-calling, trolling, aggressive political narratives & endless negativity. So, what went wrong? Why have Indians on X ‘Twitter’ become so toxic? Let’s unpack this together.

---

1. Political Divide: A Digital Battlefield

India’s political landscape is as diverse and complex as its people, but somewhere along the way, it turned divisive. This division has spilled onto X ‘Twitter’, where political opinions often clash like swords in a medieval battlefield. Politicians, parties, and even their supporters use the platform to push their agendas, sometimes by spreading misinformation or attacking opposing views. Instead of discussions, we see shouting matches. It’s not about listening or learning anymore—it’s about proving the other side wrong at any cost.

---

2. The Rise of Cancel Culture and Trolling

In India, X ‘Twitter’ often feels like walking on eggshells. Say something unpopular, and you might get “canceled” or become the target of an online mob. Cancel culture, combined with trolling, has created an environment where people are quick to attack rather than engage in thoughtful conversations. Behind the anonymity of a screen, it’s easy to spew hate without consequences. What’s worse, many users join these bandwagons just to feel part of something bigger, even if it’s toxic.

---

3. The “Outrage Economy”

Let’s be honest—outrage gets attention. On Indian X ‘Twitter’, this has become a way of life. Whether it’s a viral tweet, a trending hashtag, or a controversial opinion, anger drives engagement. Platforms reward this behavior with likes, retweets, and visibility. Over time, this creates a culture where people feel they need to shout the loudest or be the angriest to get noticed. It’s no surprise that this constant cycle of outrage leaves little room for positivity.

---

4. Deep-Seated Social Issues on Display

X ‘Twitter’ has become a mirror reflecting India’s deeper societal issues—casteism, sexism, religious intolerance, and regionalism. These problems have existed offline for centuries, but now they’re amplified online. Arguments about religion or caste that would have been private are now public, and the anonymity of X ‘Twitter’ often brings out the worst in people. Instead of working toward solutions, we see more name-calling and mudslinging.

---

5. The Veil of Anonymity:

Imagine saying what you really think without worrying about who might judge you in real life. That's X ‘Twitter‘ for many. This anonymity can bring out the best in people, but also the worst. It's easy to get riled up or even mean when you feel invisible, leading to a lot of online drama, from petty arguments to serious harassment.

—

6. Bandwagon Behavior and FOMO

Let’s not forget the fear of missing out (FOMO). On Indian X ‘Twitter’, people often jump on trending topics, even if they don’t fully understand them. If a celebrity says something controversial, or if a political figure makes a mistake, it doesn’t take long for thousands to pile on. It’s less about expressing an opinion and more about being part of the “trending” action.

---

7. Global Influences and Misinformation:

Global events, like the spread of misinformation during pandemics or international conflicts, have had a profound impact on Indian X ‘Twitter’ users. Misinformation, often laced with xenophobia or racial undertones, spreads rapidly, fueling hate and hostility. The Indian diaspora's experiences abroad, sometimes facing discrimination, have also reflected back onto the platform, where these experiences are shared, often with a defensive or aggressive tone

.

—

8. Lack of Digital Literacy

Many Indians joined X ‘Twitter’ in the last few years, especially after cheap internet became accessible. But digital literacy hasn’t grown at the same pace. People often misinterpret sarcasm, take jokes literally, or fall for fake news. This lack of understanding can lead to unnecessary arguments and escalation, turning even small disagreements into full-blown fights.

---

How Can We Change This?

While the problem is widespread, it’s not impossible to fix. Here’s how we can make Indian Twitter a healthier space:

Think Before You Tweet: Pausing to consider the impact of your words can prevent unnecessary fights.

Engage, Don’t Attack: Disagreeing is fine, but do it respectfully.

Verify Before Sharing: Stop spreading fake news or unverified information.

Block the Trolls: Don’t engage with people who are only there to spread hate.

---

A Hope for a Kinder X ‘Twitter’

At its best, Twitter can still be a place for meaningful connections and conversations. It’s up to all of us to bring back that sense of community. If we can pause, think, and choose kindness over toxicity, we might just turn things around. After all, isn’t a good debate or an insightful thread better than endless fights?

India’s strength has always been its diversity & vivid Intelect. Maybe it’s time for that to reflect on X ‘Twitter’ too.