THE PERILS OF RECKLESS COMMENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

By Nordiana Barka

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- The growing use of social media, brimming with speculative and provocative comments from netizens on various issues, makes it increasingly challenging to control.

As the saying goes, “Words are like arrows - once spoken, cannot be taken back”, reckless comments by netizens can significantly harm one’s emotions and mental well-being.

Many netizens often dismiss the gravity of their actions, particularly when their fingers swiftly dance across keyboards without considering the consequences.

They tend to forget that every comment made, especially those that incite slander, not only tarnish reputations but also open the door to serious legal repercussions.

Commenting on the matter, lawyer Muhammad Akram Abdul Aziz explained that under Malaysian law, defamation can occur verbally or in writing, with evidence being easily obtainable once a comment is posted on social media.

“When people comment without verified information about an issue, they risk making factually inaccurate statements that could tarnish the image and reputation of those involved.

“It worsens when the affected individual's family suffers due to baseless comments posted on social media. Consequently, it should come as no surprise if some netizens face legal action,” he told Bernama recently.

Muhammad Akram said that if the comments were about someone who had died, then the deceased’s family could also consider pursuing alternative legal actions.

“These legal actions could involve provisions under the Penal Code or the Communications and Multimedia Act. Such provisions are more fitting than pursuing defamation claims,” the lawyer said.

Another lawyer, Adi Zulkarnain Zulkafli, emphasised that netizens should be more mindful of sensitivity, sympathy, and empathy when commenting on social media.

“Many chase popularity and virality, even when the content they write or share is unverified. Today’s world is one where people crave attention, aiming for ‘likes’ and support, which ultimately makes them more popular, especially if their post is widely shared,” he said.

Adi Zulkarnain also noted that the right to freedom of speech, as enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, is not absolute and comes with limitations.

“For instance, it is a criminal offence to incite issues related to 3R (royalty, race, and religion) under the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588),” he said.

Adi Zulkarnain said that individuals affected by social media comments can lodge police reports, and the commenters may be investigated under Section 233 of Act 588.

In fact, he said any individual making defamatory comments could face civil lawsuits or be charged under Section 499 of the Penal Code.

“That is why we have to be careful in giving our opinions or making comments,” he added.

Meanwhile, a psychologist and senior lecturer at UKM, Assoc Prof Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali, reminded that excessive comments not only hurt the feelings of individuals and their families but also have profound emotional and mental health impacts, particularly on teenagers and children under the age of 17.

“Feelings of sorrow, sadness, worry, anxiety, and fear often linger in their minds, significantly affecting their emotions. When exposed to excessive negativity, it alters their perception of the real world,” he said.

Dr Shazli, who is also a council member of the Malaysian Psychological Association (PSIMA), explained that, psychologically, adolescents who are in the process of discovering their identity are highly influenced by their environment, and negative comments can substantially impact their emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

“This group, when exposed to negative comments, will undoubtedly be affected. They may experience confusion and lose the empathy and sympathy instilled by their families and society.

“The most concerning impact is if they succumb to these comments, leading to disruptions in their thoughts, emotions, and behavior, ultimately hindering their ability to engage positively in social interactions,” he added.

-- BERNAMA