Recent years have seen a concerning increase in cyberbullying events in the Philippines, impacting people from all walks of life, including public figures, celebrities, and politicians. Both the general public and reputable media sources have become aware of the adverse effects that cyberbullying has on the mental and emotional health of its victims. In the following article, we discuss the important subject of cyberbullying and the contribution that ethical journalism makes to counteracting it.
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Famous people have fallen prey to the negative effects of social media, including former senator Vicente Sotto III, Cacai Velasquez, and the respected musical princess Lea Salonga. Cyberbullies have unleashed heinous attacks taking advantage of the social media and even some news outlets, spreading hate and damaging material that has left its targets emotionally traumatized. It is necessary for journalists to acknowledge these occurrences, but it's also critical to avoid making a big deal out of or publicizing such damaging behavior. Media outlets can prevent unintentionally endorsing this harmful behavior by refraining from publishing news about those who engage in cyberbullying.
We at UiS TV, a Philippine media outlet, have taken a strong stand against cyberbullying. By not identifying bullies by name and refusing them a platform for their destructive conduct, we made the decision to deny abusers the satisfaction of fame. This strategy sends a clear signal that bullies won't receive encouragement or support from respectable media professionals, and their actions won't be praised or encouraged.
Delivering important news that informs, teaches, and inspires the public is our primary responsibility as journalists. We could opt to highlight tales that promote growth and positive change within the Filipino community rather than dwelling on those that engage in cyberbullying. Thus, we may promote an atmosphere that values respect, empathy, and understanding.
It is important to understand that cyberbullying can have serious repercussions for both the victims and society at large. Its widespread use can contribute to a harmful online culture, limiting free speech and discouraging people from using social media platforms out of concern that they might become targets themselves. In order to empower readers to build a more compassionate online environment, responsible journalism must actively counter this trend.
Our focus and response to the problem of cyberbullying must be unwavering. The public conversation and societal attitudes can be shaped by journalists. We can help bring about a change and make the internet a safer place for everyone if we choose not to publish news about those who engage in cyberbullying. Let's give priority to stories that improve Filipino lives, encourage development, and bolster our group's resolve to combat cyberbullying. We can create a Philippines that is more kind and caring both online and offline by working together.
Disclaimer: The views and claims expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UIS.NEWS.
Disclaimer: The opinions and statements made in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily represent those of UIS.NEWS or its policies.
