Social media is an integral part of our lives, shaping how we connect, communicate, and share our experiences. As I scroll through my feeds, I can't help but question how safe is social media for us. It's not just about cyberbullying.
Let's start with privacy concerns. Every click, like and share leaves a digital footprint. This data can be harvested by companies for targeted advertising.
It's unsettling to think that my personal preferences, habits and even private conversations are being monitored and analysed without my consent.
When it comes to cyberbullying, the anonymity of social media emboldens bullies, making it easy to launch cruel and unprovoked attacks. The lack of accountability means that harmful behaviour often goes unchecked., creating a toxic environment where users must constantly be on guard.
Addiction is another significant concern. One can easily lose track of time scrolling through feeds, chasing the next hit of dopamine that comes with a like or a comment. This can be draining and takes a toll on mental health.
Unrealistic standards are also a major problem. The carefully curated images and posts I see often present an idealised version of life that is far from reality. This constant exposure to unattainable standards can distort my self-image and contribute to a growing sense of inadequacy.
Then, there's misinformation. I've seen how easily false news and misleading information can easily go viral, influencing public opinion, and sometimes leading to real world consequences.
The rapid spread of conspiracy theories and fake news make it harder to distinguish fact from fiction. This not only misguides people, but can also polarise communities and incite unnecessary fear or hostility.
In such an environment, It's understandable that the government is mulling a proposal to develop a social media application specifically for Malaysians.
We should be supportive of such a move as it aspires to solve certain problems for netizens.
At the same time, though, always be aware that navigating social media requires a careful balance of enjoying its benefits while staying aware of its dangers.
DANINAS HEZRY
City University Malaysia,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times