Experts warn against harmful social media content

KUALA LUMPUR - Today's technological advancements significantly shape people's lifestyles, particularly in communication via social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Social media not only creates a space for individuals to connect and interact but also fosters self-expression, particularly with the emergence of trends and careers as content creators on these platforms.

This career is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people who feel that social media platforms offer them the freedom to create, express their creativity, and pursue their passions, unlike other careers that are often seen as restrictive and governed by strict rules.

However, concerns arise when individuals intentionally create and upload provocative content, which ultimately backfires and has negative implications for both themselves and society.

IGNORANCE NOT A FREE PASS

According to Deputy President of the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA), Azrul Zafri Azmi, provocative or offensive content that seeks to elicit reactions can easily attract the attention of social media users, but it also poses negative implications for society.

He said that based on datareportal.com, as of January 2024, Malaysia has over 28 million social media users, representing 83.1 per cent of the country's population of more than 34 million.

"This indicates that any viral content can significantly impact society, including content with negative elements. It risks undermining cultural and moral values, and even more critically, it can violate religious norms. Without proper control, such content can encourage unhealthy behaviours, particularly among the younger generation and children.

"For instance, the recent viral case involving ‘Abang Bas,’ though possibly unintentional, has been perceived by some in society as a ‘threat’ and a potential gateway to more serious issues like sexual exploitation or pedophilia. Additionally, statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) indicate an increase in online pedophilia cases, with 190 incidents recorded between 2020 and 2022.

"In this context, social media users, especially content creators, must recognise that ignorance of an issue is not an excuse to evade legal action when the public reports it to the authorities,” he told Bernama.

Azrul Zafri also said that producing and uploading content for fun should not be an excuse for anyone, as it still poses the risk of causing discomfort to the community.

He added that, according to a report by the Malaysian Institute for Youth Research and Development (IYRES), 45 per cent of Malaysian youth have uploaded content out of curiosity, seeking attention, or aiming to go viral.

"Normalising this behaviour can lead to moral issues and legal violations. Acceptance and interpretation vary among individuals; some may appreciate it while others may not, particularly when it infringes on cultural values, incites controversy, breaks laws, or touches on religious sensitivities,” he said.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDIA LITERACY

Emphasising the importance of media literacy education for cyber users, Azrul Zafri said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and CyberSecurity Malaysia regularly conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public on online safety.

Through these programmes, the public is also made aware of the dangers of uncontrolled social media use and the procedures for reporting inappropriate content.

"According to a 2022 MCMC study, the level of digital literacy among users in Malaysia is only moderate, with nearly 60 per cent of social media users unaware of the potential negative impact of the content they create.

"The ‘try-hard’ phenomenon among social media users, particularly youth, often results in the dissemination of content that crosses boundaries in pursuit of influence or popularity,” he said, adding that society needs more comprehensive education on the ethics and responsibilities of managing digital platforms.

He said, according to datareportal.com, Kepios' analysis shows that the number of social media users in Malaysia increased by 4.8 million from early 2023 to the beginning of 2024, highlighting the growing role of social media as a primary source for accessing information.

"Digital literacy must be improved to help users assess the appropriateness of content.

"The desire among cyber users, whether as content creators or commenters (netizens), to gain fame quickly often drives them to upload inappropriate content and post excessive comments,” he said, adding that according to MCMC, there were 3,199 complaints related to cyber bullying recorded in 2023, with 93 per cent of those cases successfully resolved.

LANGUAGE INFLUENCE

Language lecturer at Multimedia University Malaysia, Maswanhizzly Masri, shared his views, asserting that the language used in content can easily "spark controversy” in society. He cited the word ‘crush’ used by ‘Abang Bas’ as an example.

He said although language is a basic form of communication, it can influence individual thoughts and transcend age barriers.

"Therefore, when someone uses inappropriate language on social media, it can influence public opinion (netizens). When the content presented is already controversial and is accompanied by the use of inappropriate language, it will certainly affect public perception.

"There needs to be a sense of responsibility within every social media user. Ask yourself before uploading content, for example, ‘If I post this content, what will happen? If I use this language or phrasing, what will be the effect?’’ he said, adding that if users are confident their actions are appropriate, then damage or negative implications can be avoided.

He explained several terms such as clickbait, which refers to content uploaded to attract attention and encourage users to watch repeatedly, often containing sensational and misleading language.

Another term, trolling, refers to the act of deliberately provoking or harassing individuals or groups, often using inappropriate language or content to attract attention.

Next, viral marketing refers to a technique used to promote a product or idea in a way that encourages individuals to share it within their social media networks, often utilising sensational content.

"We have to acknowledge that ‘bad marketing is still marketing,’ because controversy can garner high attention and interaction within society, providing short-term positive impact for content creators.

"However, in the long run, inappropriate content and the use of offensive or mixed language can significantly impact an individual's reputation and cultural development within a community," he said.

He acknowledged that the use of mixed languages is common, even in other countries, as it fosters an informal and casual tone in conversations. However, from an academic standpoint, this practice is still regarded as detrimental to the purity of a language.

"While freedom of speech is important, it is fair to say that the actions of some social media users do not support efforts to uphold the National Language.

"Language reflects culture, and we must not allow our culture to be undermined by inappropriate language use,” he said, emphasising that the responsibility to elevate language falls not only on Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) but on all members of society.

LEGAL ASPECTS

Meanwhile, lawyer Muhammad Hafiz Hood said social media users must be aware of laws such as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the Sedition Act 1948, the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984, and the Penal Code, which are in place to regulate uploaded content.

He noted that while there is ongoing debate about these acts being seen as restrictions on cyber users' freedom, the question remains whether it is worth it for content creators to risk legal repercussions merely to gain public attention or followers.

"Many are still oblivious to cultural sensitivities, often steering clear of the 3Rs (royalty, religion, and race), while still uploading content that consciously or unconsciously promotes taboo elements within society.

"We see how content that promotes activities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, humorous impersonations of gender, and material that endorses incest or uses insults and profanity often receive positive reactions.

"Unfortunately, this content has developed a demand among followers, warranting more serious attention,” he said.

Muhammad Hafiz, a legal practitioner with over 12 years of experience, said that most enforcement actions currently depend on the effectiveness of Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which penalises content creators for uploading obscene material.

"However, we cannot solely rely on a punitive approach to educate netizens. Education and self-awareness are crucial for encouraging social media users to think rationally before uploading content. Awareness campaigns featuring reminders, warnings, and guidance should be expanded to enhance media literacy.

"In Malaysia, several laws regulate the safety and collection of personal data concerning children, including the Child Act 2001 and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which prohibit uploading multimedia content related to children without permission.

"However, the nature of social media content is currently at a worrying level. According to PDRM, between 2017 and 2022, there were 93,368 IP addresses suspected of sharing child pornography in Malaysia. We are not at the beginning stage; we are facing a crisis of moral decay," he said.

LESSONS LEARNED

Describing child protection as a cross-border issue, he noted that every country takes this matter seriously. For instance, the European Data Protection Board imposed a fine of 345 million Euros on TikTok for breaching children’s data protection, as the platform failed to accurately assess the risks to young users.

"Another example is that the European Parliament also proposed in November 2023 that service providers be required to conduct risk assessments regarding the potential presence of sexual elements involving children in their services. This means that, in addition to authorities and parents, platform providers must also take responsibility for ensuring children's privacy is protected or face penalties,” he said.

He believes that the 'Abang Bas' issue serves as a lesson for social media users to be more cautious. He also cited a case in which a woman posed as a couple with her son, drawing criticism from netizens for allegedly promoting incest.

"In both cases, they posted content on social media and exposed themselves to public scrutiny, while the 'Abang Bas' issue is currently under judicial review to ascertain if it constitutes an offence.

"From a legal standpoint, both pieces of content can lead to discomfort and bear immoral connotations, despite differing interpretations of morality. We must now leave it to the wisdom of the Court to reach conclusions and make decisions," he said.

He added that the Online Safety Bill, expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat next month, aims to safeguard the interests of all citizens, particularly cyber users, and to protect children who use the internet as their daily communication medium. - BERNAMA