The internet is certainly the defining feature of the age of science and technology and has undoubtedly changed our human experience. Just imagine trying to explain the enormity of the internet to someone of the past. Even just 50 years ago, people probably would not comprehend this technological marvel. They would probably say something along the lines of...
“...WHAT? A “face-to-face” conversation, with someone on the other side of the world, FOR FREE?...”
“...So you're saying, a radio, a telephone, a camera, a calculator, and a thousand books...would fit in my pocket?...”
“...So...it's a magical thingamajig that has all the answers to any question anyone could possibly ask?...”
Sadly, people have always been good at taking things for granted. Let's talk about the latest offering the internet has granted us. SOCIAL MEDIA.
A fairly new invention, social media has grown tremendously. Today, 4.48 billion users worldwide are actively using social media [1]. With that growth, comes a whole array of social media problems. Namely, personal branding issues, deteriorating social media etiquette, cyber harassment, cyberbullying, phishing, scamming, blackmailing and so much more.
The situation is mournful, however unsurprising. Never has there been any classes or lectures on how to use social media. The truth is, social media has been made so easily accessible, people just download the app and learn as they go. So, who’s to blame? It becomes clear that it is a case of monkey see, monkey do. People learn to navigate the nuances of cyberspace from the interactions that happen in their online community. If neglected, we risk tainting our country’s name due to a few bad eggs. Hence, the need to spread awareness on the correct netiquette, or code of conduct when using social media.
Malaysia has a notorious reputation for being close-minded, judgemental and negative online. In a time where the internet has transcended borders and created a global village, it seems as though Malaysia has missed a memo.
We, at NETHICS have taken it upon ourselves to intervene in this learning process. By targeting the youth, we hope the next generation is the cut-off point for future bad netiquette. NETHICS is the first USM campaign to address these issues and rebuke bad behavior.
As a pioneer for our cause, we hope to be the first wave of many waves that will repeat our message, advocating for the practice of good online behavior to foster a desirable brand identity.
Source
[1] D.says:, J., Deansays:, B., Karlottasays:, T., McEvoysays:, S., & Andreasays: (2021, October 10). How many people use Social Media in 2021? (65+ statistics). Backlinko. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://backlinko.com/social-media-users.
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