Women’s Awareness of the Cyberbullying Risk in Digital Media During the Enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO)

Mohammad Fahmi Abdul Hamid,Khairul Azhar Meerangani,Mohd Farhan Md Ariffin,Abdul Muiez Mohammad Ruslee,Izzah Nur Aida Zur Raffar,Siti Nurul Izza Hashim

doi:10.6007/ijarped/v11-i1/12049

Mohammad Fahmi Abdul Hamid, Khairul Azhar Meerangani + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v11-i1/12049

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Abstract

Malaysia is the 9th country to record the most active social media usage worldwide, which is attributed to almost 80 % of its total population. The enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) following the threat of COVID-19 pandemic since 18 March 2020 has introduced Malaysians to the new norms, including the use of digital media and online applications for various purposes and needs. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported a sharp increase in demand for broadband and internet traffic flow since the implementation of MCO due to business activities, learning, conferences, meetings and so on, which are conducted from home. In the meantime, a total of 3,075 cyber security incidents were reported only in the period of between March 18 and July 31 in 2020 with 109.4% increase over the same period in the previous year. Based on statistics, almost 60% of the cyberbullying victims are reported to be women. Thus, this study aims to analyse the exposure of women to the risk of cyberbullying in digital media during the enforcement of MCO. The study was quantitatively conducted using a survey design in which a set of online questionnaires (Google Form) was distributed to 296 respondents in Melaka, all of them are women. It is summarised from the study findings that the types of cyber harassment experienced by respondents include taunting and humiliating remarks in digital media (40.2%), digital accounts were hacked (28.3%), sexual harassment (32.4%), and physical harassment (16.5%). Therefore, awareness of the rights and responsibilities of digital media users shall be enhanced to establish a harmonious and safe digital ecosystem in society.

Highlights

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has contributed to the rapid development in information and communication technology
The usage of social media is crucial for every member of society, especially in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0
Its unethical use leads to the abuse of social media for purposes that violate societal norms and the law

Summary

Introduction

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has contributed to the rapid development in information and communication technology. To ensure that Malaysia does not lag behind in this development, the government has designed a Comprehensive Roadmap for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and National Digital to ensure that the digital infrastructure carried through in the country can benefit all citizens, thereby driving the nation economic growth. The government under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025) is committed in the efforts to improve the country’s digital communications via implementation of the digital infrastructure plan, known as the National Digital Network (JENDELA) This platform is essential in providing comprehensive and high-quality broadband service coverage, preparing the country for a steady transition to 5G technology. All entities including the state governments, local authorities, ministries, and relevant agencies have been mobilised to support the government’s aspiration to make communication services a basic facility to drive the country towards a digital economy

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