Twitter’s impact ‘far from inconsequential’
At the opening ceremony of Twitter’s office in Singapore today, Dr Yaacob said he uses the app to stay updated on breaking news and information related to his constituency. Photo: Twitter
SINGAPORE — While there have been many examples of social media helping to address real life problems, it has also “created some real life problems, said Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim yesterday, as he urged users to act responsibly on cyberspace.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of social media giant Twitter’s Singapore office, he said social media, when used properly, can quickly rally people around a cause, such as when the earthquake struck Nepal in April. Twitter and other social media tools helped galvanise and raise humanitarian aid and donations, as well as gave clarity on which areas in the country badly needed help.
On the flip side, irresponsible behaviour on social media, such as shooting off harsh words, can result in intimidation, bullying, harassment, and at times, even fatal consequences, he added.
Referring to instances of cyber-bullying, Dr Yaacob said: “We must behave in a responsible and civil manner online, just as we do offline. Each of us can also do our part, to build and nurture a more pleasant online space for everyone.
“We have seen how harsh words can be conveniently expressed on social media, which regretfully result in intimidation, bullying, harassment, and at times, fatal consequences,” he added.
Although Twitter was so named because the company saw the platform being used for “a short burst of inconsequential information” or “chirps from birds”, the impact of the app today is “far from inconsequential”, said Dr Yaacob. The minister said he too uses the social media app to stay updated on breaking news and information relating to his constituency.
Because information spreads widely and moves quickly online, these can shape people’s world views and how they act, resulting in real-life implications, he added.
In Singapore, like elsewhere, it has become an “important discovery agent and communication tool”, with many Singaporeans expressing their views and being influenced by tweets from people they follow.
“It is thus important that we know how to use such tools and apps safely and responsibly, for tweets are not always just ‘bursts of inconsequential information’ or ‘chirps from birds’,” said Dr Yaacob.
For example, he said users can stand up against any instance of abuse or cyber-bullying they come across, rather than stand by idly. There are tools to report abuse readily available online and they should be made good use of to help victims of bullying, he added.
