The first thing that comes to mind these days when someone says they have been severely affected by something viral is not dengue, Zika, or chikungunya.
What’s viral is no longer necessarily an illness caused by a parasitic micro-organism. It’s, however, an affliction all the same, one which can bring about even more dire consequences.
“Viral” these days is something — an image, video or post — that quickly becomes very popular or well known on the Internet.
The rise of social media networks like Facebook have allowed this phenomenon to become widespread, with many aspiring to be the creator of a viral post. “Jom viralkan” has become a clarion call and national pastime.
Some of these massively shared posts help fulfil good causes — they have led to the discoveries of missing children, facilitated assistance for people in need, and led to the mobilisation of large-scale charitable efforts. They also help spread awareness about particular human conditions and situations, and no less importantly, reunite lost pets with their distraught owners. They are inspirational and positive and can, as aspired by beauty pageant contestants, bring about world peace.
And then, there are the inane yet harmless viral posts which do not serve a higher purpose except to rob us of precious time, the way Miley Cyrus did on a wrecking ball. These include “kawaii” videos of animals — plump cats, dogs, baby squirrels, and pandas — striking adorable poses, as well as the recent ones of an ostrich, followed by a menagerie of other animals, running down highways. The ostrich Chickaboo became an Internet sensation following her celebrated sprint along the Federal Highway in Kuala Lumpur.
But like the parasite which brings about dreaded diseases, viral posts can be extremely dangerous too when they are shared with the intention of sowing hate and discord, and creating confusion. These include posts which are:
INACCURATE or misleading. Viral posts by anti-vaccine proponents spread confusion and misinformation, and can have fatal consequences. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah earlier this week strongly criticised a former contestant of the local Imam Muda reality TV series for mocking vaccinations on his Facebook page. This came after two non-vaccinated children in Kedah and Malacca, needlessly died of diphtheria. Sadly, their siblings have also contracted the disease. Besides health authorities, religious leaders, too, have had to clarify such irresponsible posts by stressing that groups lobbying against vaccination for children are in violation of orders from God. Their action has also led to a reemergence of communicable diseases in the country.
Another example are the viral posts urgently seeking blood for relatives or friends in hospitals. The National Blood Centre stressed last week that people should approach the centre or other blood banks directly instead of pleading on social media. The centre has ample supply and even a list of donors for rare blood types. An officer said the viral messages created an oversupply of blood and hindered the scheduled collection of rare blood types as donors could only give blood every two to three months.
RACIST and inflammatory. During this fasting month alone, we have had several widely shared posts of non-Muslims being denigrated, on escalators and in cars, for eating within sight of Muslims. Thankfully, cooler heads have prevailed and posts by Muslims countering these absurdly intolerant ones have similarly gone viral, too.
SOLELY aimed to name and shame. Generation X and older are fortunate because they grew up at a time when their antics did not return to haunt them the next day in a viral post. It’s very different these days. Park in a spot for handicapped drivers, continue to be seated when a senior citizen ambles up next to you on the train, or have your trousers inadvertently or purposely pulled down, and you will definitely have it recorded for posterity in a viral post on social media. While some of these shenanigans are not praiseworthy, sharing it for the world to comment on and judge is tantamount to cyberbullying. In most cases, too, this severe “punishment” levelled against the perpetrator does not commensurate with the gravity of his transgression, leading to mental meltdowns and suicide.
Be cautious of insidious accusations and hate. We should instead help make posts which restore our faith in humanity, and those deserving promotion and publicity, go viral. Spread good vibes at a time when the nation needs them the most.
In the end, what we share is a clear reflection of who we are.
This award-winning columnist takes a light and breezy look at hot, everyday topics. A law grad turned journalist, Chok Suat Ling is now NST Associate Editor News