Through FIRTUAL, Kominfo Invites The Community To Prevent Cyber Bullying

JAKARTA - The misuse of social media is becoming more and more common. The number of cyberbullying cases continues to grow in line with the increasing number of internet users and the flow of information on social media. This has come to the attention of the Director of Political, Legal and Security Information and Communication, Ministry of Communication and Information, Bambang Gunawan

When opening the Digital Law and Human Rights Literacy Forum (FIRTUAL) with the theme “Aware of Law and Human Rights: Cyber Bullying and Cyber Ethics” on Monday, February 21, he emphasized that one of the biggest challenges for the younger generation when socializing in cyberspace is cyberbullying. .

The buzz of information accompanied by negative content and hoaxes is also another challenge in today's digital world. "The community's strong digital literacy is the main asset in countering negative content and hoax information that is still circulating," said Bambang, in a release received by VOI.

Komnas HAM Education and Counseling Commissioner, Beka Ulung Hapsara, also added that freedom of opinion and expression needs regulation.

“If we look at the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which has been ratified by the Indonesian government, there are two main restrictions. First, do not demean the dignity of others. Second, it does not endanger national security," said Beka.

Apart from these two restrictions, there are also mechanisms, such as restrictions on freedom of expression that must be regulated by law, which is necessary in a democratic society. "All this is to implement about respecting the rights of others," added Beka.

Lecturer of Communication Studies at Gadjah Mada University Yogyakarta, Nyarwi Ahmad, in using social media, several things must be considered. Not only the ability to communicate in the public, but also users need to understand the principles of communicating in the public sphere, norms and ethics. What and which one can and deserves to be done and so on.

"It's all important to do, if not, it will definitely cause problems, one of which is cyber-bullying," said Nyarwi.

Responding to the rampant cyberbullying that is happening in the community, the Special Staff of the Minister of Communication and Information, Dr. Rosarita Niken Widiastuti assessed that some people think that real life and virtual life are different. In real life there are ethics and manners, but when on social media, it seems as if there is no responsibility for what they write and upload. Even though whatever is uploaded everything leaves history.

“The digital footprint will always be there and will not be erased at any time. So let's invest by uploading positive content in cyberspace," he said.

A public figure, Tasya Kamila, gave her tips in dealing with cyber bullying like she had experienced. According to Tasya, people who often make insulting comments are not important. Even those who tend to bully, don't need to be given a "stage" or "ignored". If it's too annoying, it can be blocked.

However, Tasya added that it all comes back to each individual in posting Content. According to him one should make social media pages as content that spreads positivity and that will generate positive followers too.

"If we like controversial posts, those who will respond to our posts will also reap controversial responses. However, if we want to build a positive community, we have to curate our content,” said Tasya.