Cyber indulgence: Humanity given backseat by self-styled journalist

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 7

Internet is a “double-edge sword”, meaning, it provides many opportunities to the users, but at the same time, it has also become an avenue to commit crime. 

As there is no censorship some of the internet users are using it as means to expose, tarnish and malign the image of people ‘known and unknown’ to them.

Speaking to the Imphal Free Press in this regard, Prof Mc. Arun, Manipur University said, “Cybercrimes are increasing day by day and it is likely to increase. Social media users commit heinous crimes by uploading obscene content and also, can incite communal conflicts.” 

 He said one of the reasons can be because of more and more people jumping on the technological bandwagon, there is cultural shock happening and also, because of ‘sexual frustration’ and ‘fantasy explosion’. 

In the process of negotiation and adaptation, they have taken liberty a bit too far exposing their evil and unethical perspectives, he added. He also pointed out that parents have to do their part in shaping the youths and also, media has to follow ethics.

A faculty of the department of mass communication, of MU speaking to the IFP said, “It is an age where instead of saving someone’s life when in danger, some of the public are busy clicking photographs and recording video for uploading. It seems like humanity is forgotten at the cost of being a “self-styled journalist”.

The virtual world has given us a platform to connect, but in the process of connecting we are taking our freedom too far and in the whole process they end up defaming others, she said, adding we have even seen cases of ‘sextortion’ and this are not a good sign for the society.”

To curb such menace, the lawmaker should educate the public to file and lodge complaints and also people using social media should be careful while uploading photos, videos and comment, she added.

Another faculty member of the same department said there is an urgent need to educate all sections of the society to the dangers of the Internet and how to stay safe online. Raising awareness of the penalties of online offence and the successful performance of the state cybercrime cell will hopefully deter future offenders, he added.

Further he maintained that youth needs to be motivated in right way to participate in citizen journalism both individually and in the group. It is discouraging that victims, particularly women, are now taking up the courage to stand against such crimes, he lamented.  

 It may be recalled in the recently concluded Assembly Session, chief minister on the floor of the House replying to a query from the Opposition said that there are 39 cybercrimes cases of the state registered during 2016-2017.

Crimes perpetrated by using social media platform have been on the rise in our state. It may be attributed to the increase in the use of smartphone and availability of internet data at cheaper rates wherein some people have resorted to expose others at their own free will, not thinking too much of the consequences that will fall on the victim.