LETTERS: Nowadays, it is easy to voice our opinion on any issue on social media.
People post a lot of things happening around them on the Internet, and when this goes viral, everyone hooked to the Internet can access and share their opinion about it.
This act of sharing opinions or comments seems to have gone out of context since many have failed to consider the sensitivity of the issue that may aggravate the harmony among netizens.
So, how much freedom does one have to express his or her views on social media?
Recently, in practising the freedom to voice one's opinion, an uncalled-for action taken by a popular film star who was offended by a comedian's comment went viral.
And, given the popularity of the star and how it could tarnish his reputation, netizens gave their opinion for and against that act.
Many other embarrassing cases have been exposed on the Internet, whether by academicians, politicians, students, or the ordinary man in the street.
It's bad enough that people start pointing the finger at who is to be blamed for the action.
When we resort to giving our opinions which is so easy these days especially on our smartphones, was it all in the name of harmless fun?
Lack of sensitivity and not getting the full picture before taking sides and opening our mouths to speak our minds may seem like an act of "a call to be heard".
But, we need to stop and consider; could our opinion or comments be a thoughtless gesture after all?
The constitution of Malaysia in Article 10 provides for freedom of expression among Malaysian citizens within the reasonable restriction of not provoking peace, as well as contempt of court, defamation, or incitement of any offence.
Does this give us the right to say anything under the sun? Yet, the voices and opinions of millions can change the way a certain thing is done and move for change.
The same voices or opinions can damage and ruin another person or his career for that matter. That is how strong and powerful one's opinion is, in the name of one's freedom to express one's view and to be heard.
So, perhaps before we post our opinions or views, it is a good idea to step back and think of the consequences before saying anything. It is wiser if we are slow but constructive in our comments.
After all, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
Associate Professor Dr Carolyn Soo Kum Yoke, Nor Haniza Hasan
Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times