The tragic news of Pranshu, a 16-year-old queer artist from Ujjain, India, who died by suicide on November 21, 2023. Pranshu had faced severe cyberbullying and online harassment following a Diwali Reel they posted on Instagram, in which they wore a saree. The relentless hate comments and abuse took a toll on Pranshu’s mental health, leading to their heartbreaking decision to end their life.
This incident highlights the devastating impact of cyberbullying and online harassment, particularly on marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ youth. It is a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness, education, and action to combat cyberbullying and create a safer online environment for all.
Highlights
- Tragic Suicide of Pranshu: The suicide of 16-year-old makeup artist Pranshu has brought attention to the severe consequences of online bullying. Pranshu, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, faced relentless attacks on Instagram, leading to the tragic incident.
- Cyberbullying Epidemic: The incident highlights the pervasive issue of cyberbullying, particularly against individuals from marginalized communities. Pranshu’s case underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat online harassment and ensure the safety of users.
- Advocacy for LGBTQIA+ Rights: LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy collective, Yes, We Exist, has called on Meta, the owner of Instagram, to address the issue of cyberbullying. The collective emphasizes the need for platforms to invest in non-English languages and take concrete actions against online harassment.
- Obstacles in Seeking Justice: Despite efforts to seek justice with the hashtag #JusticeForPranshu, Yes, We Exist faced challenges as Meta reportedly blocked the hashtag for “violating community guidelines.” This has sparked criticism regarding the platform’s approach to LGBTQIA+ issues and its handling of online safety.
- Real-world Consequences: Pranshu’s tragic death serves as a devastating reminder of the real-world consequences of online bullying. The incident prompts a collective call for greater accountability from social media platforms and lawmakers to prioritize the safety of individuals, especially those belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.
16-year-old Pranshu, an accomplished makeup artist and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, tragically committed suicide subsequent to being subjected to ceaseless online harassment. The occurrence has generated apprehension regarding the widespread occurrence of cyberbullying, which has led the LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy group Yes, We Exist to urge Meta, the parent organization of Instagram, to confront this crucial matter.
Details of the Tragedy
The mother of self-taught makeup artist Pranshu, who maintained a substantial online presence, discovered him deceased in Divine City, Ujjain, on November 21st. A severe case of cyberbullying was brought against the young artist, who had amassed over 26,000 Instagram followers after a Diwali Reel that featured Pranshu in a saree went viral.
Pranshu was the target of cyberbullying on Instagram for over a week, according to Yes, We Exist; the reel received over 4,000 homophobic comments. The young artist suffered the repercussions of relentless cyberbullying, which illustrated the grave nature of online harassment.
Calls for Action
The LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy collective is urging Instagram’s owner, Meta, to implement tangible measures to combat cyberbullying. The importance of Instagram investing in non-English languages and implementing effective measures to combat online harassment was underscored by Yes, We Exist.
Nevertheless, their petition for justice, accompanied by the hashtag #JusticeForPranshu, encountered challenges when Meta allegedly blocked it for “violating community guidelines.” Critics have criticized the platform for failing to provide a safe space for users and its treatment of LGBTQIA+ issues.
Reactions and Impact
The untimely demise of Pranshu is a sobering illustration of the tangible repercussions that can result from engaging in cyberbullying. Jeet, the founder of Yes, We Exist, lamented the inaction regarding queerphobic content and the repercussions faced by individuals who expose bullying on the platform.
In India, the LGBTQIA+ community not only laments the loss of an individual but also confronts the systemic obstacles that daily befall them. A growing chorus of concern exists regarding the insufficient responsibility of Indian lawmakers and platforms such as Instagram to ensure the offline and online security of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Investigation and Police Response
At present, local authorities are conducting an inquiry into the circumstances that led to Pranshu’s demise. KS Gehlot, the in-charge officer of the Nagjhiri police station, stated that the precise motive for the suicide has not yet been determined. As part of their investigation, the police have confiscated Pranshu’s mobile phone, which includes an examination of social media handles and WhatsApp.
The untimely demise of Pranshu has sparked a discourse regarding the critical nature of addressing cyberbullying and establishing a more secure digital milieu, with marginalized communities bearing particular responsibility. This incident highlights the obligation of social media platforms, such as Instagram, to proactively address harassment and foster inclusiveness, thereby preventing any user from being provoked to such catastrophic consequences as a result of online abuse.
FAQs
- What happened to Pranshu, the 16-year-old makeup artist? Pranshu, a 16-year-old LGBTQIA+ makeup artist, tragically took their own life after facing relentless cyberbullying on Instagram. The incident has sparked a call for action against online harassment.
- How did Pranshu become a target of cyberbullying? Pranshu faced mass bullying on Instagram, particularly after a Diwali Reel went viral, where they wore a saree. The LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy group, Yes, We Exist, claims Pranshu received over 4,000 homophobic comments on the reel.
- What is Yes, We Exist advocating for? Yes, We Exist is urging Meta, the owner of Instagram, to address cyberbullying and invest in non-English languages. The group emphasizes the need for stronger measures to tackle online harassment, especially in the wake of Pranshu’s tragic death.
- Why was the #JusticeForPranshu hashtag reportedly blocked by Meta? Yes, We Exist alleges that Meta blocked the #JusticeForPranshu hashtag for “violating community guidelines.” The incident raises concerns about the platform’s response to LGBTQIA+ issues and cyberbullying.
- What broader discussions does Pranshu’s case ignite? Pranshu’s story highlights the real-world consequences of online bullying and sparks essential conversations about LGBTQIA+ rights, user safety on social media platforms, and the urgent need for stronger measures against cyberbullying.
