This article is authored by Samarth Singh Baghel, a student pursuing B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) at St. Aloysius Institute of Technology (Law), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Key Points
- Social media has revolutionized access to spirituality, breaking traditional barriers and globalizing spiritual teachings.
- The digital shift has democratized spiritual learning but also led to commercialization and dilution of authenticity.
- Landmark cases like Sabarimala and Shreya Singhal highlight how online platforms shape public opinion and judicial outcomes.
- Tensions between free speech and religious sensitivity have emerged, as seen in the Munawar Faruqui case.
- A balanced approach is crucial to ensure digital spirituality remains authentic, respectful, and enriching.
ABSTRACT
This article explores the digital era’s evolving relationship between spirituality and technology, emphasizing how social media platforms have reshaped spiritual expression, access, and influence. While the digital landscape has democratized spiritual teachings and facilitated global engagement, it has also led to the commercialization and dilution of authentic spiritual experiences. The study reflects on transitioning from traditional, intimate spiritual interactions to the hyperconnected digital domain, examining this shift’s opportunities and challenges. It further delves into judicial perspectives on digital spirituality, referencing landmark cases such as the Sabarimala judgment and the Shreya Singhal case to highlight the role of social media in advocating constitutional rights and shaping public opinion. Additionally, the article addresses the tension between free speech and religious sensitivity, using the Munawar Faruqui case to illustrate the complexities of creative expression in a diverse society. Ultimately, the article navigates the double-edged nature of digital spirituality, advocating for a balanced approach that respects both freedom of expression and the sanctity of spiritual beliefs in a rapidly changing world.
INTRODUCTION
In the modern age of digitalization, social media has become more than just a medium for communication; it serves as a powerful platform for connection, knowledge sharing, and even spiritual growth. Platforms like YouTube provide access to online sermons, while Instagram enables live sessions and short reels that make spiritual teachings more accessible to a global audience. This digital shift has modernized spirituality, allowing individuals to engage with religious teachings in a way that was previously impossible. It is now easier than ever to receive guidance from renowned saints and spiritual leaders, breaking geographical and logistical barriers. The transformation is not limited to convenience—it marks a significant cultural shift in how spirituality is practiced, perceived, and personalized. Spirituality, once deeply rooted in physical presence and traditional rituals, has now adapted to the fast-paced, on-demand nature of the internet age. People are no longer required to visit temples, ashrams, or religious centres to access spiritual content; instead, they can explore various religious ideologies from the comfort of their homes, with just a few clicks. This has particularly benefited younger generations, who often seek spiritual understanding through digital channels rather than conventional paths.
However, this transformation also raises concerns. While digitalization has democratized access to spirituality, it has also commercialized it, sometimes reducing deep spiritual teachings to mere content for engagement. This brings us to a crucial question: like a coin with two sides, does the digitalization of spirituality leave a positive or negative mark on our society?
ASCETICISM BEFORE SOCIAL MEDIA: A HISTORICAL INSIGHT
Before the advent of social media, life teachings were conveyed by priests, saints, and mahatmas either on a personal basis or to those who could attend them physically. Sermons and spiritual gatherings were organized to share these teachings. People simply followed their saints according to their religious beliefs, adhered to their teachings, and deeply immersed themselves in spirituality.
SPIRITUALITY POST-SOCIAL MEDIA
Spirituality after the advent of social media has transformed significantly and holds immense relevance in people’s lives globally. Today, individuals can easily access religious teachings through social media—a positive aspect that provides wide accessibility. Platforms such as TED Talks, podcasts, and blogs have made it easier than ever to spread awareness and education about spirituality. Information regarding sermons, inaugurations of religious institutes, and religious events can now be shared worldwide. Additionally, social media enables people to explore various religious ideologies, allowing them to understand customs beyond their traditions. However, spirituality was purer before social media, as it remained free from commercialization—a negative aspect that has since emerged. Today, spirituality is often commercialized. Many spiritual influencers spread misinformation alongside genuine teachings, aiming to gain large followings and views on their reels and posts. Sometimes, self-proclaimed spiritual influencers lack sufficient knowledge or authentic understanding of spirituality. It is appreciated that social media provides a platform to interact easily with the spiritual influencers, but it lacks an in-depth and one-to-one connection of the spiritual teacher, priest, saint, or mahatma to its subjects.
JUDICIAL PERSPECTIVES ON SPIRITUALITY IN THE DIGITAL ERA
Social media helps society when there is a violation of constitutional rights, too. Because it provides a platform to debate, share ideologies & mobilize public opinions. When someone is deprived of his/her constitutional right of equality (Article 14)[i] & freedom of religion (Article 25)[ii], then social media also plays an important role. In the landmark case of Sabarimala temple in Kerala[iii], the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in 2018 ruled in favor of women of 10 to 50 years of age who were barred from entering temple premises due to religious customs. This case was filed by the Young Lawyers Association as public interest litigation against the state of Kerala for the violation of constitutional rights, i.e., Article 14 (right to equality)[iv]. This was one of the landmark cases which showcase that showcased how social media shaped public voice, opinions & ideologies. This case has a massive attraction due to debate on the constitutional rights of citizens, religious rights & gender equality. As a result, due to one of the reasons of influence of social media, the Hon’ble apex court ruled in favor of women in a ratio of 4:1.
ARTICLE 66(A) OF THE IT ACT, 2000- UNCONSTITUTIONAL
In this digitalized era, it is a big question whether someone is free to criticize any public spiritual event or any public event on any digital platform because Section 66(a) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 restricts it. Section 66A was a law that made it a crime to send offensive or harmful messages through the internet or electronic devices. It targeted people who sent messages that were threatening, very offensive, or deliberately false with the intent to annoy, insult, or create fear, hatred, or trouble. It also included sending misleading emails or messages meant to deceive the receiver about who sent them. Anyone found doing these things could be punished with up to three years in prison and a fine. The law was meant to prevent misuse of online platforms for harassment or spreading false information.
It is understood from the aforesaid section that it was prohibited to send offensive messages through social media digital platforms. However, in Shreya Singhal versus Union of India (2015) SC[v], where two women were arrested for sending offensive messages on the digital platform. But in its ruling Hon’ble apex court held that section 66A of the IT Act is unconstitutional and vague because it violates the constitutional rights of citizens (Article 19(1)(a)- freedom of speech and expression)[vi]. In this way, it is also relevant to understand that social media is a platform open to all opinions based on Article 19(1)(a) of our Indian constitution[vii], which provides that every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression.
DIGITAL FREE SPEECH-UNJUST CRIMINALIZATION
Any influencer is free to express anything on a digital platform that hurts the sentiments of other religions or communities. For example, in the case of Munawar Faruqui versus the state of Madhya Pradesh (2022)[viii], Munawar Faruqui was arrested by Indore police because of his derogatory remarks on Hindu deities in his comedy stand-up shows. Therefore, as a result, sections 295A, 298, 269, 188, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code[ix] were imposed against him. Such derogatory statements were spread all around the globe due to the digital platforms, which had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. However, the Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Faruqui, due to a lack of evidence against him, and the due process of law was not followed. Therefore, this ruling has a relevant impact on the value of free speech online and stressed that creative expression should not be unfairly punished. This shows how social media is important in shaping public opinions on a specific subject.
CONCLUSION
In an era dominated by digital connectivity, spirituality has found new avenues for growth and expression. Social media has undeniably broadened access to spiritual content, allowing individuals to explore teachings beyond the boundaries of geography and tradition. While this digital shift has empowered users and made spiritual guidance more accessible, it has also opened the door to the commercialization and superficial portrayal of sacred teachings. The dilution of depth and authenticity in spiritual messages is a concern that cannot be overlooked.
Furthermore, the digital space has become a battleground for constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of speech and expression, raising questions about the balance between respectful dialogue and offensive content. Landmark judgments like Shreya Singhal v. Union of India and the Sabarimala case showcase the power of digital platforms in shaping public discourse and influencing judicial outcomes. At the same time, cases such as that of Munawar Faruqui highlight the tension between free speech and religious sentiment in a diverse society.
Ultimately, while the digital world offers incredible opportunities for spiritual exploration and public engagement, it also demands responsibility from both creators and consumers. As we navigate this hyperconnected age, it is essential to uphold values of authenticity, respect, and thoughtful expression to ensure that the digitalization of spirituality enriches rather than erodes its essence.
[i] Constitution of India 1950, art 14.
[ii] Constitution of India 1950, art 25.
[iii] Indian Young Lawyers Association v The State of Kerala AIR Online 2018 SC 243 (SC).
[iv] Constitution of India 1950, art 14.
[v] Shreya Singhal v Union of India (2015) AIR 2015 SC 1523.
[vi] Constitution of India 1950, art 19(1)(a).
[vii] Constitution of India 1950, art 19(1)(a).
[viii] Munawar Faruqui v The State of Madhya Pradesh (2022) SC 243.
[ix] Indian Penal Code 1860, ss 188, 269, 298.
