It was appalling, last weekend, to read some of the shameful and most reprehensible comments by Indians and Pakistanis about some Pakistani songs/singers on YouTube. I do not know if there is another stronger word for this kind of hateful vulgarity about an art form. Quite apparently, in a computer-savvy world, many feel empowered and emboldened to say what they like and carry their animus to such base levels. Some are possibly even younger and it is frightening to think that this hatred is what we have taught them. Where did they learn this? At home? School or college, if they went there? Or at some workplace? Is this freedom of expression? Should we leave this unchecked? Who will check, and punish, if necessary? Are we not letting things slide dangerously? Who will pay the price for this freedom?

The growing problem today is not just the content, but also the medium used without restrictions and the need to balance basic freedoms with responsible reporting and commentary. We did not learn the value of measured reporting, as we saw the horrific coverage of the Mumbai 2008 terror attack. Pic/Getty Images