LETTERS: Freedom of speech through social media platforms offers many benefits, including the promotion of democracy, the ability to challenge authority and the fostering of diverse ideas. Social media platforms have allowed voices from all corners of the globe to be heard.
However, as the power of online communities or "netizens" has grown, it has also resulted in harmful activities such as cyberbullying and public shaming.
The phenomenon of "netizen justice" has become infamous in South Korea, where the intense scrutiny and aggressive behaviour of online users have led to numerous high-profile cases of cyberbullying, even leading to suicides.
Malaysians, too, are gaining notoriety for being overly critical and aggressive online. During the recent Paris Olympics, a Japanese cyclist inadvertently caused a Malaysian cyclist to miss out on a bronze medal in the keirin final event.
The incident sparked outrage among Malaysian netizens, who flooded the Japanese cyclist's Instagram account with hateful comments and even accused him of foul play. This episode is troubling because it involves two athletes who are, in fact, good friends.
We had been warned even earlier about Malaysians' increasing involvement in uncivil online interactions. In Microsoft's 2022 Digital Civility Index report, Malaysia was ranked 29th out of 32 countries surveyed, indicating a relatively low level of digital civility. This negative trend in online behaviour raises concerns about the potential for harm in the name of free speech as it is being misused to incite rather than promote understanding.
Thus, it is important to educate the public, especially the younger generation, to maintain positive mannerisms, ethics and politeness online. No doubt popular platforms wield immense power over what is published and removed, often navigating a fine line between maintaining free expression and curbing harmful content.
In this context, it is vital to understand that freedom of speech must be redefined, not just as a right, but as a responsibility in an interconnected world where communication can travel faster and wider. It is vital that we initiate a comprehensive strategy of fostering a culture of respect and responsibility in online interactions.
ZAAMAH MOHD NOR
Senior Lecturer,
Academy of Language Studies,
Universiti Teknologi Mara,
Shah Alam, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times