Maintaining Social Media’s Social Functions

· 3 minutes read

Is social media still functioning socially? A professor of digital media from the Queensland University of Technology, Jean Burgess, once challenged this.

After all of us were shocked and felt the limitations of several social media services by the government for four days, the challenge should also be considered.

Social media, which was initially used as a means of interpersonal communication, has increasingly been used by many circles as a medium for other interests, such as business and even politics. The problem becomes increasingly complicated as an increasing number of people use it to spread negative content, such as false news, racism, violence and terrorism. Therefore, in many developed countries, the trend of social media is beginning to fade. Many countries have started to make regulations to curb its negative impacts.

The government’s decision to temporarily restrict social media services was also based on a number of reasons. Besides responding to the riots that erupted in several areas in Jakarta after rallies against the results of the election, the government was informed of content on social media that could potentially disrupt security and public order. According to records at the Communications and Informatics Ministry, 486 hoaxes were identified in April. From May 21 to May 23, 30 fake news stories were found.

Because of the low digital literacy rate among Indonesians, we appreciate the government\'s anticipatory steps. The Electronic Information and Transaction (ITE) Law also prohibits the distribution of violent, provoking and hateful content in terms of ethnicity, religion, race and intergroup.

On the other hand, this restrictive policy certainly makes it difficult for many citizens to upload positive videos, images or content on social media. "Hunt the mouse, don\'t burn the barn," is the tweet from disappointed social media users. A number of pro-democracy activists expressed concerns about this step and hoped that in the future, there will be more detailed rules governing social media restrictions.

Now, it is time for the government and the House of Representatives to prepare a more mature strategy. The steps that Australia has just taken are worth considering. The new law was ratified on April 4, for example, prohibiting violent and horrific video footage on social media. Social media service providers that do not immediately remove prohibited content are fined 10 percent of their global income, and their executive officers would be sentenced to up to three years in prison. Companies are also required to notify the police within a certain time limit when finding the prohibited content.

The government also needs to continue to improve the digital literacy skills among children, adolescents and adults in consuming social media. With it all, social media functions are maintained – social media that is bringing together, not separating; strengthening the nation, not destroying.

Editor:

kompascetak