MIYC expresses concern over misuse of social media
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 29 2025: Flagging concern over the digital landscape emerging as a contentious battleground amid the unrest in Manipur, the Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has called for ethical and responsible usage of social media.

MIYC, in a statement issued by its coordinator MC Meetei, said that the internet, once celebrated as a tool for connection, communication and empowerment, has increasingly become a conduit for various digital threats with far-reaching consequences.

Saying that misinformation and disinformation have been weaponized to spread false narratives and doctored images, sowing fear, distrust, and animosity among communities, the Youth Centre maintained that these posts, often shared without verification, incite violence and deepen societal divisions.

Similarly, cyberbullying and online threats have emerged as pervasive issues, targeting vulnerable communities and activists with harassment, doxxing, and even threats of violence, MIYC continued and added such attacks not only undermine personal safety but also silence voices of dissent.

MIYC went on to state that the danger extends beyond the virtual space as digital threats often escalate into real-world consequences.

Stating that online provocations fuelled riots, property destruction, and even loss of life as seen amid the unrest in Manipur, the Youth Centre said that digital hostility leads to erosion of trust among communities.

Since May 3, 2023, Manipur has faced one of its gravest humanitarian crises, it said and maintained that the role of digital platforms in amplifying hostility cannot be understated.

Fake news about alleged atrocities, manipulated videos distorting events, and inflammatory posts have intensified the cycle of violence, MIYC said.

Moreover, human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens advocating for peace have increasingly become prime targets of cyberattacks and many of them report receiving life threatening messages while many others have faced the grave violation of having their personal information leaked online, exposing them to physical danger and public harassment, MIYC said.

The Youth Centre also said that individuals, in some cases, have endured the trauma of their homes being raided, severe physical assaults, or even imprisonment over something as simple as Facebook posts or sharing content in a social media group.

Saying that creating and maintaining a safe digital environment is important amid the turbulent period Manipur has been going through, MIYC reasoned that the internet has the power to either worsen divisions or foster understanding among the people.

One of the most important steps is to verify information before sharing.

Fact-checking content and relying on trusted news sources can prevent the circulation of unverified and potentially harmful information.

By curbing the spread of misinformation, communities can reduce misunderstandings and avoid escalating tensions, it said.

Continuing that another essential measure is to report harmful content actively, it added that social media platforms offer tools to flag fake news, hate speech, and threatening behaviour and using these tools can significantly limit the reach of malicious content and facilitate safer online space for everyone.

Protecting digital privacy is another critical responsibility, it said while advising that refraining from sharing sensitive personal information online and educating others about safe internet practices can minimise the risks of cyberattacks and ensure individual security.

People must come together to support peacebuilding initiatives, MIYC said and maintained that digital platforms can become powerful tools for positive change.

Addressing the growing digital threats requires a unified effort from community leaders, Government authorities, and social media companies, it further said and appealed to the community leaders to lead in fostering dialogue among different groups to rebuild trust and promote reconciliation.

Saying that Government authorities must take stringent measures against those propagating digital threats while upholding freedom of expression, MIYC maintained that the Government must also keep a close watch on social media platforms to swiftly identify and remove harmful content.

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