Shillong, September 7, 2025 – Information and Public Relations Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has cautioned against the unchecked growth of social media, warning that its unmonitored use could pose serious risks to society.

“At the rate at which social media is engaging without monitoring, it is going to be dangerous,” Lyngdoh said, stressing that artificial intelligence can amplify misinformation by presenting untruths as facts.

She urged journalist bodies to play a stronger role in ensuring the flow of unbiased information, while cautioning against “press trials” that could unfairly damage the reputation of citizens.

“The moment the media picks up a story and decides that this will be the story for the next one month… with viewership dictating the world, the integrity of the press and the media is being compromised,” she remarked.

The Minister also expressed concern about the growing influence of social media personalities, warning that influencers are beginning to threaten the survival of professional journalism. She called upon the Meghalaya Editors and Publishers Association (MEPA) to establish clear norms governing the circulation of content.

“Self-policing is an important concept for the circulation of information,” Lyngdoh added, urging both traditional media and digital platforms to exercise responsibility.