Broken Screens … Shattered Souls

Jul 26, 2024

Be Our Guest - By Nevina Johnson
Esha, a Malaysian social media influencer, endured venomous threats and abusive comments on her TikTok account. Now, she exists only in the memories of her family. Across the globe, in another country, 15-yearold Nate Bronstein took his own life after relentless cyberbullying. These individuals were someone’s friend, son or daughter. Can anyone truly imagine the pain their families are enduring?

In Esha’s case, one perpetrator received a mere RM100 fine after pleading guilty to engaging in insulting behaviour with the intention of inciting anger and disrupting peace, under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed his disappointment at this outcome, announcing a review of how the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission handles offensive comments on social media, particularly on platforms like TikTok.

The minister emphasised the importance of clearly defining what constitutes cyberbullying and identifying effective preventive measures. He noted that while ministers, members of parliament, and politicians are frequently targeted by cyberbullying, they often refrain from lodging complaints. Some perceive cyberbullying as a trivial issue, but the Communications Minister stressed the need to establish clear legal boundaries and interpretations. A proposal will be presented at the upcoming Cabinet meeting to enact a new act or amend existing laws to tackle cyberbullying.

With social media becoming increasingly prevalent, cyberbullying has emerged as a detrimental poison in our society. A 2024 BBC report by the World Health Organisation found that one in six teens experienced cyberbullying. In 2020, Malaysia was ranked second in Asia for cyberbullying among youth, according to UNICEF. This data alone screams the danger of this issue.

Unlike the traditional physical bullying many are familiar with, cyberbullying has not received much public awareness or attention. With this online bully, the victim has nowhere to run, as it continues throughout the day no matter where they are. The beeping notification sounds that once brought joy and excitement now become a ticking bomb, crushing the souls of many. This detrimental crime affects an individual by pushing them into a pit of darkness. Over time, it causes extreme anxiety, unexplained fear, and the potential to completely change an individual’s personality. It leaves a scarring impact of loneliness and a severely damaged sense of self. In adverse cases, this could lead to self-harming acts.

Cyberbullying, like all forms of bullying, is a cycle where people project their insecurity and powerlessness onto others. Dysfunctional family backgrounds lacking love and empathy can seed this crime. A recent study with Turkish adolescents found that teenagers from less empathetic, secure, and loving family backgrounds were more at risk for engaging in cyberbullying acts. This shows that a lack of empathy and humanity can cloud one’s mind and cause one to partake in these crimes.

Despite its horrific impact, it is not too late to make a difference as a society. We must abandon the mentality of “this is not my problem” or “as long as it doesn’t happen to me.” Do we really want to wait for something bad to happen to someone we love before we act? Haven’t we already lost too much time? Parents and teachers should engage in deep emotional conversations with their children, providing a safe space for them to talk and express themselves. Educate them that if they are cyberbullied, they don’t have to be embarrassed; it is not their fault. Provide a safe environment for them to depend on and do not dismiss their feelings.

Demonstrate kindness beyond your close family members, even to people you don’t know. Tell them it is not okay to hurt others and not “cool.” It doesn’t make you powerful or respected, but kindness will. Humanity, kindness, and empathy are powerful. Let’s revamp the trend towards kindness and empathy - isn’t this the core nature of being human?

Schools should include monthly programmes on cyberbullying awareness and establish a safe complaint protocol for students to report incidents without fear. This is crucial, as many victims tend to not report due to fear and embarrassment. Providing a safe space for victims to report this crime is essential.

The Church can play a pivotal role by including workshops and seminars, especially focusing on youth, to educate about cyberbullying, its effects, and how to approach it. Parish media ministries can utilise social media platforms to advocate for this issue. Real-life cyberbullying victims and survivors can be interviewed to spread awareness, and their stories shared as documentaries.

Pope Francis has emphasised the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect in the digital world. In his message for the 2021 World Communications Day, he urged the faithful to “communicate by encountering people, where they are and as they are.” He called for a “courageous and responsible use of communication” that promotes a culture of encounter, rather than exclusion or division. The Pope’s teachings remind us that as Christians, we are called to be beacons of light and love, even in the virtual spaces we inhabit.

Esha and Nate are but two victims whose stories we know. Countless others suffer in silence, their pain unseen and unheard. The person sitting next to you in class or in the office could be a silent victim. We must not lose anyone else to this scourge. How many more precious lives should be forced into this abyss of darkness?

Together, let’s rewrite the narrative, becoming the friends who listen and the allies who uplift. Let’s no longer dismiss the gravity of this issue, for we can’t afford to lose any more lives to this atrocity. Behind every screen lies a fragile beating heart, someone else’s entire world, their life hanging by a thread.

So, let’s be the change. Extend your compassion, empathy, and action beyond the screen. Because if you and I won’t, then who will? 

(Nevina Johnson, a 23-year-old student at UKM, is in her final year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies. She is currently interning at the Catholic Research Centre in Kuala Lumpur.)