KUALA LUMPUR: Social media platforms cannot wash their hands clean of cyberbullying as their algorithms can often aggravate the situation.
Cybersecurity specialist Fong Choong Fook said social media algorithms prioritise and drive traffic to popular content, whether positive or negative.
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“Sometimes, content that may be unfavourable to some, including cyberbullying victims, would gain popularity because of higher views and shares.
“This is how social media platforms drive more traffic to such content,” he explained when contacted yesterday.
Fong emphasised the importance of social media operators actively monitoring their platforms and working closely with the authorities to take immediate action against any undesirable or harmful content.
“If the authorities receive complaints, they can work with social media operators to take the content down and take further action against those spreading unfavourable content. Close collaboration is key,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of educating children about online behaviour and mental health preparedness, as many users from the younger generation go online unprepared.
“They see it as a simple world; when things don’t meet their expectations, it catches them off guard and could lead them into doing something that may not be commonly understood.
“Preparing children will at least give them healthy expectations about the cyber world,” said Fong.
He highlighted the vital role of parental communication, noting that parents need to be aware of what their children are doing online and who they are talking to.
“Such (parent-child) communication is becoming less and less frequent as most parents are busy while their children have their own social space.
“However, no technology can replace this human touch, which is the role of guardians, authorities and social media operators (to provide).
“Everyone should play their part,” he said.
Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist and psychologist Assoc Prof Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat said signs of cyberbullying include spreading lies or embarrassing photos, sending threats or hurtful messages, and impersonating others online to send negative messages.
She pointed out that cyberbullying often persists due to motivations like seeking popularity or validation through followers and engagement on social media.
“The idea of being popular and having the authority to do or say things, even hurtful ones, can also contribute to this.
“Some might also have a fanbase that readily supports this mindset,” she said.
Efforts to counter such needs should be holistic and continuous, including putting in place a code of ethical conduct that must be agreed upon when joining a platform, said Geshina.
“Periodic reminders must also be posted and acknowledged by these members.
“Lastly, enforcement must be in place. If a platform can enforce rules for certain content, the same approach should apply to cyberbullying and criminal behaviour.”
