Hey Kids! Social Media Is A Big Responsibility
It’s okay to express opinions but maligning and ruining someone’s reputation is a different story
We have said time and again: that social media is a powerful tool. The past decade thanks to social media has changed how people have communicated and it also has its consequences.
Fake news has become rampant online, maligning and slandering people’s reputations. Unfortunately, the biggest absorbers of these posts are Gen Z kids. If one is not trained in fact-checking and media literacy, it’s easy for them to believe.
Faster spread of fake news
People think that by hiding behind another face and alias on social media, they won’t be traced by authorities. Hence, they post malicious comments and unverified information, splicing videos to make it real on social media.
Unfortunately, many people, kids, and teens included become victims of the reports and soon share it with their friends. This would require a lot of explaining by people who are more familiar with the issues than them.
The sad thing is once the story is posted and shared, they think they can get away with spreading unverified information. Even with fact-checkers already debunking reports, fake news still spreads and people still believe it.
What was supposed to be used for good and help has become so toxic that people would do everything for the likes and the views, not knowing that it comes with consequences.
Posting false reports and retracting them after a complaint
People posting false reports online have a motive but sometimes it tends to be more emotional. Unfortunately, when emotions and fake news get in the way without verifying, it can lead to legal complaints.
Last July, PPop group BGYO made headlines when they filed cyber libel charges against some people on social media for posting false accusations against them. The boys – Gelo, Mikki, Akira, JL, and Nate are all in their early 20s. Like other PPop groups, they have been the subject of malicious and libelous reports and comments on social media.
Last September 6, one of the people involved, Rachelle Galang faced the group and apologized for a video of false information against the group. Reading her letter, she admitted to her mistake and was remorseful of her actions.
The boys eventually accepted the apology, with Gelo reading their statement. Their management, Star Magic also shared the statement on their social media accounts.
Part of the statement goes: “Kanina po ay nabasa namin ang statement ni Ms. Galang kung saan siya ay personal na humingi ng tawad sa amin.“
“Tatanggapin po namin ang kanyang pag-amin ng pagkakamali. Bilang konsiderasyon na lang din po sa kanyang pamilya ay iuurong po namin ang kaso laban sa kanya.”
Although they have forgiven Rachelle Galang, the group said they will continue their complaint against the other people who maligned them.
“Gayunpaman, ipagpapatuloy po namin ang iba pang mga kaso na isinampa namin. We hope that Ms. Galang and other netizens would learn from this and stop spreading baseless and malicious allegations against other persons.“
“We hope that we can inspire other youths who are victims of cyberbullying and malicious disinformation to recognize their self-worth, realize that they have proper avenues to fight back, and to have the courage to stand up for themselves.”
Why kids should be aware
It has been repeated time and again that one should think before they click. This was a campaign popularized by a TV network and later Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach when she was asked about it in Binibining Pilipinas. However, it seems despite the reminders, people still post without verifying and when charged with a complaint, they backtrack.
Although Rachelle Galang’s apology was accepted, not everyone harassed and who filed complaints will remove the complaint. Some need to be taught a lesson for them to realize their mistakes.
Lawyer Joji Alonso, who is the legal counsel of BGYO and other celebrities said it best in her statement regarding the issue: “May this serve as a reminder to all that in today’s digital age, where online platforms serve as powerful tools for communication, freedom of speech is not absolute and without consequence.”
“As cyber libel emerges to be a serious concern, our public expression of thoughts and opinions must always be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and accountability to avoid harmful repercussions.”
So kids out there active on social media, always remember that the platform is a responsibility. Learn to analyze and discern on what you read online because not everything is true. Because the last thing you want is a criminal case in your file.
More about online protection
3 Important Laws Parents Should Know Protecting Their Kids On and Offline
POGO: What They Are & How Families Have Been Affected
Personal Space Please! How Parents Can Teach Their Kids About It
