Even Though It's Not Face-to-Face Communication, Chat In WhatsApp Group Still Needs Ethics

Ethics in communicating in WhatsApp groups should not be ignored, so it does not cause misunderstanding among users. (Unsplash/Dimitri Karastelev)

JAKARTA In the modern era like today, almost everyone uses social media as a means of communication, one of which is WhatsApp's implementation. But when the WhatsApp application is not used wisely, it can actually spark disputes, and even lead to criminal acts.

As happened in the Baleendah area, Bandung Regency, West Java. The Bandung Police arrested a man for killing his own colleague because he was hurt by being expelled from the WhatsApp group by the victim.

Bandung Police Chief Kombes Pol. Kusworo Wibowo explained that the incident began when the perpetrator TT (35) was annoyed after the AD victim (29) removed him from one of the motorcycle gang's WhatsApp groups.

"After being expelled from the WhatsApp group, the suspect came to the victim, why was he expelled, so there was a fight and finally the suspect took out a knife," said Kusworo at a press conference at the Bandung Police Headquarters, West Java, Monday (30/10).

In the midst of technological advances, the use of social media as a means of communication has also increased. Based on We Are Social's report, WhatsApp is still the most widely used social media by the Indonesian people.

As of January 2023, the percentage of users of the instant conversation application in the country reached 92.1 percent. This figure outperforms Instagram, which is in second place with 86.5 percent of users.

One of the most commonly used features in the application is WhatsApp group chat which usually contains at least three people. This WhatsApp group is considered to facilitate communication so that it is widely used in the work environment, family, friendship, and others.

Citing Independent, group chats revolutionize the way we communicate with friends, colleagues, and family.

WhatsApp group chats are commonplace in today's era. However, along with the development of new technology, there is no ethical guide for its users. And this can cause problems.

Instead of strengthening friendship, chats in WhatsApp groups can actually weaken relationships if they do not heed ethics or rules that are not written.

The first ethics that needs to be considered in the WhatsApp group is, is the chat thrown relevant to all group members in it? That is, if the message delivered is private then avoid discussing it in the group.

This may increase your anxiety because you may read messages more often so as not to miss anything, which can make you feel worse because you are not part of it, "said psychologist Dr. Amy Cooper Hakim toWell+Good.

Meanwhile, ethical expert Elainewas revealed several ethics in communicating in WhatsApp groups. He mentioned that there are several things that need to be considered before sending messages to WhatsApp groups.

In addition to sending useful messages to all group members, Elaine also said the importance of paying attention to time, having a positive goal, and no less important is getting to know all members of WhatsApp groups.

"It takes respect, honesty, and consideration when communicating in the WA group," said Elaine.

"That way you can respect the people in the same WA group and they don't see you as a bully," he added.

As mentioned earlier, chats in WhatsApp groups should not offend any of the group members. Because this risks making the atmosphere hot.

According to the Judge, WhatsApp is not the right place to discuss sensitive issues because the intonation and meaning of the message delivered can be misinterpreted by the recipient of the message.

If the chat in the group starts to heat up, the judge suggests ending the discussion and switching to talk about it directly.

"If there is a dispute, state clearly that you are happy to discuss the matter, but the chat group is not the right place," said Hakim.

"Move the chat outside the group chat," he said.

Among several that can provoke tensions in WhatsApp groups are differences of opinion, the spread of hoax messages or fake news. And, ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election, the spread of hoax news is still a threat in the continuity of a safe and comfortable election.

According to Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) Commissioner Lolly Sunenty, apart from Facebook and Twitter, WhatsApp is one of the most frequently used media to carry out campaigns containing SARA. Especially WhatsApp, it is usually done through family groups or the closest community.

"The mode (of the perpetrators doing so) is to get greater support or sympathy, attack opponents and legitimize the process or election results," said Lolly.

Even though the spread of news containing SARA, fake news and hate speech via social media is actually very worrying. That's because it can be the cause of polarization, even conflict, society in the real world.