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Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
AI and ethics can help stop online harassment
Letter to Editor FROM school halls to digital spaces, moral and civic education teaches us to be helpful, considerate, and kind members of society. Yet, despite these teachings, various forms of harm continue to plague both physical and online worlds. One such issue is online harassment—also commonly referred to as cyberbullying. Online harassment has become a distressingly common experience for many internet users. It involves acts of aggression, intimidation, or abuse carried out across digital platforms. According to researchers like Leduc and colleagues in Computers in Human Behavior, it can take many forms—disinformation, name-calling, threats, sexual harassment, and public humiliation. This digital abuse can affect people from all walks of life, although certain demographic factors such as ethnicity, age, and gender may influence how likely someone is to experience it. Pew Research Center reports by Monica Anderson in 2018 and more recent updates by Atske in 2024 highlight how widespread and persistent the issue is, particularly among teens. Similarly, a Malaysian-based study published in BMJ Open by Samsudin and colleagues in 2023 found that young adults experiencing cyberbullying often also report psychological distress and strained family dynamics. In Malaysia, researchers Kee, Anwar, and Vranjes pointed out in 2024 that online harassment is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts among youth. Often, the abuse stems from prejudice—negative stereotypes based on religion, ethnicity, gender, or even personal interests can quickly snowball into digital attacks. Victims may receive a barrage of cruel messages, mockery, or hate comments targeting their identity. Cultural norms can also fuel the problem. When mocking or humiliating others is treated as entertainment, especially in online communities, abusers feel emboldened. The anonymity of the internet offers a protective mask that emboldens people to say what they would never say face-to-face. Combined with the misuse of free speech, this creates a digital culture that tolerates—even encourages—harmful behaviour. The effects of online harassment are not limited to bruised egos. Victims often face serious mental health challenges. Studies by Dr Cheryl Nixon in 2014 reveal how victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, appetite loss, and even suicidal ideation. These psychological effects can lead to social withdrawal, strained relationships, and a deep sense of helplessness. Embarrassment, fear, and self-blame are common emotional responses. Many victims, especially teens and young adults, avoid telling friends or family about their experiences, which only amplifies their isolation. A landmark case in Canada, R. v. Elliott in 2016, highlighted the legal implications of online abuse. The case was connected to Rehtaeh Parsons, a 17-year-old girl who took her life after a photo of her sexual assault was widely shared online, followed by relentless digital harassment. Although initial investigations failed to yield justice, public outcry prompted a renewed effort that led to charges under Canada's Cyberbullying Prevention Act—also known as Bill C-13. This tragic case led to legislative reform. Nova Scotia passed 'Rehtaeh's Law,' the first of its kind in Canada, which broadened the legal definition of cyberbullying and provided new tools for law enforcement to act. Writing in Crime, Media, Culture, researcher Alice Dodge in 2023 emphasised how the case shifted public perception of cyberbullying—from a social issue to a serious crime requiring legal intervention. Can ethics and AI offer solutions? As technology evolves, so do our opportunities to address online harassment in smarter ways. Media ethics plays a key role here. Researchers like Milosevic and colleagues in 2022, writing in the International Journal of Bullying Prevention, argue that media platforms must uphold ethical standards that prioritise harm reduction. This includes creating clear content guidelines, efficient reporting mechanisms, and psychological support systems for those affected. Media outlets should portray victims with dignity and avoid sensationalising abuse, while ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, could also help stem the tide. AI-powered moderation tools, if designed ethically, can assist in identifying abusive content and preventing its spread. But these systems must prioritise fairness, transparency, and accountability. Many current algorithms are geared toward boosting engagement—even if that means promoting provocative or harmful content. Instead, platforms need to redesign algorithms to avoid amplifying negativity. As highlighted by Zubiaga in the International Review of Information Ethics in 2021, tech companies must also be transparent about how moderation decisions are made and offer clear ways for users to report abuse. Ultimately, it's not just up to lawmakers, media companies, or AI developers. All internet users share the responsibility to create a culture of empathy, respect, and mutual accountability. By standing against online harassment, speaking up for victims, and supporting efforts for ethical technology, we can help make digital spaces safer for everyone. —July 20, 2025 The authors are from the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Kaspersky
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Your Significant Other May Be 'Cushioning' And You Wouldn't Even Know It
Years ago, writer Sara C. felt palpable chemistry with a coworker. She had been married for 14 years at the time, but her friendship with the man was flirtatious and she started to fixate on it. They communicated regularly and had coffee dates. Then they slept together. But a line was crossed even before the physical relationship began: Sara had invested in a figment of a relationship until it became a real one, to the detriment of her marriage. 'My affair definitely started out as an emotional affair,' said Sara, whose last name has been withheld to protect her privacy. 'I think many people in steady relationships sometimes stagnate or get into tiffs that remain unresolved.' 'Whether it's boredom or complacency or unresolved frustration, I'm not sure,' she added. 'But it makes them see other people in a different light and can elevate the human connection.' Those lingering connections are sometimes called backburner relationships. A 'backburner' is 'a person to whom one is not presently committed, and with whom one maintains some degree of communication, in order to keep or establish the possibility of future romantic and/or sexual involvement,' according to a 2014 study in Computers in Human Behavior. The concept has also been called 'cushioning' ― as in, 'I have a Plan B ready to cushion the blow if Meg and I don't work out.' It's more than just a 'what-if' situation, though. Backburner relationships require relatively frequent communication, Jayson Dibble, the 2014 study's lead author and an assistant professor of communication at Hope College, told The Atlantic at the time. These affairs of the heart ― and of the imagination ― make sense from an evolutionary standpoint: If the goal is to have as many options as possible for reproduction, the occasional Instagram 'like' and 'wanna get coffee?' text is easy enough to maintain. At the same time, you ensure your future offspring will have someone to care for them by staying with your partner. Marriage and family therapist Elisabeth LaMotte likens cushioning to a 'pre-meditated version of rebounding.' Cushioning typically indicates an inability to exist without a relationship, she said. And more often than not, our backburner fulfills (or seems to fulfill) something that's missing in our primary relationship. 'With cushioning, you're usually cultivating a secret flirtation with someone who represents an exaggerated rebellion against challenges in one's current relationship. For example, someone who is dating a successful but anxious partner might cushion with a relaxed partner who is unable to keep a job,' she said. 'But cushioning denies both parties a chance to see if the anxiousness (or any other challenges) might be lessened through communication and effort with our primary partners.' We imagine the grass is greener on the other side ― and in the process, we short-shrift what very well may be a solid relationship. Once pursued, backburner relationships are subject to the same frustrating, everyday complications any other couple experiences. Sometimes, the relationship peters out quickly or forces you to grapple with your own unresolved issues. This was the case for comedian and writer Xaxier Toby. Six years ago, Toby pursued a relationship with a friend of a friend he'd always had 'If only I were single...' thoughts about. 'I'd just been dumped and instead of dealing with that, I leaped straight to the backburner,' said Toby, who has written a number of comedy books including Mining My Own Business. 'It didn't go anywhere, of course, and just delayed me dealing with the pain of a breakup, with the bonus of unfairly messing with someone and involving them in the emotional mess that was me at that time,' he added. Toby said he now understands why backburner relationships are so common. 'They provide a little jolt of validation that you might be missing in your relationship due to turmoil, but that's all they'll ever be,' he said. 'They're like sugar. Instantly gratifying, addictive, but without any nutritional value.' Cushioning is unfair to both your current partner and the person acting as your cushion, said Samantha Burns, a dating coach and the author of Breaking Up & Bouncing Back. They're also unhealthy for you. 'Cushioning stems from a place of insecurity, or underlying feelings of dissatisfaction in your current relationship,' she said. 'If you're cushioning, ask yourself why you need the outside attention and validation. Is it making up for some needs that are not being met in your relationship? Is it distracting you from acknowledging that you're unhappy or disconnected from your partner?' Take your time if you need it. But if you realize you want to refocus on your primary relationship, do so with intentionality. 'When you're more insightful and mindful about your thoughts and feelings, you can figure out if you want to remain in your relationship and communicate with your partner instead of going outside the boundaries of your relationship,' Burns said. 'Successful couples turn inwards, not outwards.' Related Coverage This Is What An Emotional Affair Is -- And What It Isn't If You've Just Been Cheated On, Here's What To Do Next You'll Never Guess Who Is Having The Most Extramarital Affairs
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Are you worried about your teen's screen habits? Study says you should be
Most parents are concerned about their children's screen habits. From endless scrolling on phones to binge-watching content, teens can easily slip into screen addiction. But there's more to worry about. A recent study led by Emma Duerden at Western University in Canada found that teens who spend more than two hours a day on screens during weekdays are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and behavioral issues. Also read | Screens and teens: Loneliness to obsessive thoughts, how screen addiction affects their mental health Interestingly, the study revealed that it wasn't just the amount of screen time that influenced anxiety levels—even teens without any prior symptoms showed a noticeable increase. What mattered more was how they were using their screens. The study, published in Computers in Human Behavior, analysed 580 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Researchers found that passive social media use, such as mindless scrolling and consuming content without interaction, had a stronger link to mental health issues than other types of screen activities. Screen time among teens surged during the COVID-19 lockdown, as many turned to social media to stay connected and combat feelings of isolation. However, even after restrictions eased, those habits persisted, and in many cases, worsened. Doomscrolling, the habit of passively consuming content by endlessly scrolling through social media without actively engaging through comments or posts, has emerged as a significant contributor to anxiety among teens. Researchers noted that this behavior negatively impacts adolescent mental health by encouraging harmful social comparisons and reinforcing feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, envy, anxiety, and depression. The constant exposure to curated, often idealised content can distort reality and leave teens feeling disconnected or not good enough. Also read | Expert shares how to know if you are addicted to your phone, 4 tips to reduce screentime Emma Duerden, who led the study, in a statement said, 'In past studies, we've shown some teens reporting 15 hours of screen time a day. They wake up, go on a screen and stay the whole day. But reducing cell phone use is easier said than done. I think cell phone bans in schools are key. Getting outside and being part of the real world is also important. We all just need to take a break from our phones for our mental and overall well-being.' In an earlier interview with HT lifestyle, Urvashi Musale, child and teen behavioural expert and founder of ProParent said, 'Effective coping mechanisms to combat screen addiction can include mindfulness practices, digital detox, and seeking support from mental health professionals. Implementing screen time limits, promoting healthy tech usage in families, and raising awareness about screen addiction are essential preventive measures.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
These are the most common insecurities fueling your dating app obsession
Are you constantly swiping? This may be why. Dating apps have become the go-to platform for people looking for love — but for some, it's fueling insecurities and enabling bad habits. A new study, published in Computers in Human Behavior, revealed the common insecurities that could be fueling your dating app obsession. People who are insecure about their looks, anxious about being in social settings and constantly think they're being rejected are more likely to use dating apps in a problematic way. The research, conducted with over 5,400 young adults aged 18 to 35 in Taiwan, aimed to understand how certain psychological traits influence the way individuals interact with dating apps. With millions of users worldwide, these platforms are more than just a casual means to meet new people—they're increasingly shaping the way young people present themselves and form relationships. But, as this study suggests, there's a dark side to hiding behind a screen. Researchers found that individuals who experienced high levels of anxiety — specifically about their appearance, social settings and rejection — tended to view dating apps as a helpful tool for self-presentation and relationship-building. Because these users are often uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions and worried about their appearance, they are drawn to the relative safety and control of their dating app profile. Dating apps allow them to curate their image and engage with others in a way that feels less intimidating. Many participants in the study said that these apps made it easier to form connections — especially those with higher levels of anxiety. While these perceived benefits may sound positive, they come with unexpected dangers. Singles with higher levels of anxiety were also more likely to have problematic habits when using dating apps — like compulsively checking their messages, constantly re-evaluating their profiles, or excessively focusing on potential rejections. These people were also more likely to report feelings of frustration or distress when their interactions on dating apps didn't go as planned. In the worst cases, these users could develop unhealthy relationships with the apps, using them to avoid real-world social interactions, which would in turn deepen their fear of rejection. Overall, anxious individuals do seem to benefit from the ability to manage their image and relationships digitally, making social connections easier. However, their vulnerabilities — especially rejection sensitivity— can lead to excessive reliance on these platforms, which may ultimately harm their mental health, well-being and ability to connect IRL. Young adulthood is a critical period for developing social skills and emotional resilience, making Gen Z and millennials particularly susceptible to the consequences of using dating apps in a problematic way.
