Pokhara balloon blast: Social media erupts with hate – Is humanity fading?

KATHMANDU: The inauguration of Pokhara Visit Year 2025 on Saturday (Feb 15) turned tragic after a balloon explosion injured Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Pokhara Metropolitan Mayor Dhanraj Acharya.

The accident occurred when a flame from a remote-controlled ceremonial lamp ignited the balloons, causing an explosion.

Both Paudel and Acharya sustained injuries and were initially treated at Gandaki Hospital before being airlifted to Kathmandu’s Kirtipur Hospital, where they remain in intensive care.

However, rather than sympathy, the incident triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with netizens ridiculing the leaders instead of offering condolences.

Rise of Negativity on Social Media

The widespread use of social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok in Nepal has led to both positive engagement and widespread misuse. Many argue that its unchecked expansion has fueled social discord and diminished humanity.

Despite the leaders’ injuries, social media platforms were flooded with harsh criticism instead of expressions of concern. This raises questions about the ethical use of digital spaces and the deteriorating sense of empathy in society.

Experts Voice Concern Over Online Behavior

Political analyst Dr. Rajendra Chapagain emphasized that the surge in online hostility reflects a deeper societal problem. “Social media has become unbearably toxic. The state’s weak mechanisms have allowed such reckless behavior to thrive,” he told Makalu Khabar.

Chapagain highlighted that human beings, despite being governed by laws, religion, and culture, are exhibiting increasing signs of moral decay due to a fragile governance system.

Referring to the Pokhara incident, he said, “Social media is now filled with vulgarity and cruelty. This shows that if left unchecked, the fabric of social harmony will erode further. The government must take firm steps to regulate digital platforms.”

However, he warned against authoritarian regulations, suggesting that social media outrage also reflects public dissatisfaction with political leadership. “People are frustrated with their leaders, but expressing that through indecency is not the right way,” he added.

Psychologists Warn of Declining Empathy

Psychologist Gopal Dhakal echoed similar concerns, stating that gloating over others’ misfortunes is a disturbing trend. “Even in times of grief, Nepalese society is losing its sense of compassion,” he told Makalu Khabar.

Dhakal stressed that accidents should not be politicized, as they are personal tragedies rather than political matters. “In the past, people showed empathy during deaths and accidents. But now, we are moving away from that humanity,” he noted.

He also pointed to the increasing unruly behavior in politics, cautioning that internal political rivalries might be fueling online hate campaigns. He emphasized the urgent need for ethical political conduct and social reform.

Call for Regulation Without Suppression

Both experts urged the government to introduce well-structured legislation to regulate social media without curbing free speech. Chapagain warned that without proper governance, social unrest could escalate.

Dhakal stressed that people must separate politics from human suffering. “Rejoicing over someone’s pain is inhumane. We need to foster a culture of sensitivity and responsibility in our society,” he concluded.

-Rajesh Bhul