Celebrities Face Hazards Of Cyberbullying, Cancel Culture

By Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- The issue of cyberbullying against local artists, especially women, is becoming increasingly worrying as open insults, repeated mockery and 'cancel culture' continue to spread in the entertainment world in line with the widespread use of social media.

Among those who have been the targets of cyberattacks is popular actress and host Saidatul Naseha Uyaina Arshad or better known as Uyaina Arshad, who recently attracted attention when she revealed the insults she received from netizens.

For the 33-year-old celebrity, patience is not unlimited and after being silent for so long, she finally took the courageous move which she described as a form of advocacy and a reminder to the community that cyberbullying is no small matter.

"If I don't defend myself, who else will?" she told Bernama while expressing concern over the cyberbullying culture which is increasingly accepted as normal in today's society.

Admitting that she is lucky to have a strong support system from family and friends, Uyaina did not rule out the possibility that many other victims may not be as lucky as she is.

"I may not be very affected, but others? Some are really hurt, some are depressed, some feel alone," she said.

Armed with the principle of 'ignorance is bliss' at first, the former host of the NONA, Wanita Hari Ini and MeleTOP programmes chose to remain silent for nine years, but when the false accusations became more extreme, she could no longer just bow to the pressure.

"From the moment I entered the industry, I knew that this is the package that comes together with being in the industry. Some people will not like your way, whether acting or hosting. Even breathing, some people may not like you because they just don't like you," she said.

Uyaina said that among the most hurtful messages she has ever received were those targeting her family.

“Some people question how my mother raised me. Some people tell stories about me when I was in school, even though they never even knew me. But they talk like they know everything.

“Many celebrities message me privately, showing me the bullying messages they received. They just don't dare to speak up. I'm not angry with them, because everyone has strengths and ways," she said, urging her friends who are in the same situation to defend themselves.

Among Malaysian celebrities who have been reported to be victims of cyberbullying include Mawar Rashid, Wani Kayrie, Ara Johari, Aina Abdul and Janna Nick.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was reported to have taken down 8,756 cyberbullying-related content throughout the past year, a significant increase compared to only 1,763 contents taken down the previous year.

Meanwhile, director of the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication and Media Studies Programme, School of Media and Communication at Taylor's University, Dr Nur Haniz Mohd Nor said the actions of a few netizens who recklessly insult and shame celebrities publicly is a more serious form of cyberbullying, namely 'shaming', which can have a major impact on the mental well-being of the artists involved.

She said the psychological effects experienced by victims can occur in the short and long term.

"Initially, they may ignore them, but when they persist, they will still have an impact on their mental health and work performance. It is not fair because they are also ordinary people who are trying to live their lives as best as possible,” she said.

At the same time, Nur Haniz also touched on the role of fan culture and boycott culture (cancel culture) which contribute to the toxicity of social media.

“Fan culture can cause other fans to attack anti-fans or anyone who disagrees with their views. Meanwhile, cancel culture is the act of openly criticizing and boycotting someone when they are considered to have committed a social or moral offence.

“Group attacks (dogpiling) also occur when celebrities are simultaneously attacked with negative comments, threats and excessive use of memes,” she explained.

In addition, crime analyst, Kamal Affandi Hashim believes that the public view that considers celebrities as public property is one of the main reasons why this group is targeted by cyberbullying.

He said the view caused some individuals to feel they had the right to criticize, insult and even denounce celebrities openly.

Kamal Affandi explained that freedom of speech should not be misinterpreted as a license to insult, defame or attack the personal lives of others, including celebrities.

--BERNAMA