Jointly reported by:
Leong Jomin Sr1ScE
Hwang Victoria Sr1ScH
Photography by:
Kuen Cheng Photography Club
Did you know that you swipe an average of 2617 times each day on the web? In our current generation of technology, social media can be seen as public transportation, where it can take you anywhere you’d like with a few simple clicks. The message you see each day is what represents our current society, as it creates unique personalities for each individual who uses it. And thus, on the 16th of March 2024, the Kuen Cheng Counseling Department held a talk regarding internet safety. Speaker of the day was none other than Mr Kenn Yeap Thiam Hoong, a Media Communications lecturer from the TARUMT (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology).
Social media has been inseparable from our daily lives, as reflected in ourselves from how much we use our electronic devices. It really does have an effect that tugs on our thoughts and opinions, even manipulating them to some extent. One who is able to control the flow of messages is able to influence even your favourite colour, your hobbies, your feelings, and even your mindset. Such a world shows how deeply rooted social media is in our lives.
Mr Kenn Yeap, giving a speech regarding digital literacy
The more social media is exposed in our lives, the more likely it is that there will be some ramifications that we see, such as cyberbullying. Our speaker continued to stress how social media nowadays has become an unhealthy medium that often spreads toxicity. “You have the responsibility for what you post on the web,” he said, mentioning that whatever message you leave will also leave a digital footprint.
Another effect that you often encounter are challenges. While some may believe that these challenges are harmless, they may have some dangerous intent behind them. For example, the “Salt Challenge” is a challenge where you intake large amounts of salt, which can lead to strokes, heart attacks, or even death. Some other examples include the “Skull Breaker Challenge” and the “Tide Pod Challenge”, which are also forms of dangerous challenges that may lead to health hazards or your ultimate demise.
As stated, social media is already a part of our daily lives, and it is up to us users to decide the impact we leave on society. It is all a choice, whether to leave a positive impact or a negative influence, so we should be responsible for our actions online and become the ones who make social media a more enjoyable and warmer place to be. “Anyone can be attacked on social media, either harming your mental or physical state.” says Mr Kenn Yeap. Through this talk, we hope that all participants thoroughly understand the importance of being safe on the internet.
