LETTERS: CYBERBULLYING occurs when people use Internet platforms to harass, threaten or degrade others.
We should look at factors that make Internet abuse, which also includes scamming, possible.
One reason is that offenders are given a sense of anonymity by the digital environment.
Developing intervention measures requires an understanding of the psychology behind online abuse.
Abusers on the Internet display aggressive, narcissistic or power and control-hungry tendencies.
They may indulge these urges without consequences because of the anonymity the Internet provides and they get gratification from the pain they inflict on people.
Also, the absence of prompt repercussions for their misdeeds serves to legitimise their conduct, sustaining an abusive cycle that may be hard to interrupt.
The frequency of abuse on cyberspace also reflects larger social problems, including prejudice, feelings of inequality and structural unfairness.
Intervention needs other measures apart from technological fixes. Here, cultural elements are also necessary.
The first step in creating a more secure and welcoming online community entails teaching people about digital citizenship responsibilities and encouraging empathy and respect in online interactions.
In terms of technical solutions, identification and mitigation of hazardous conduct can be done by implementing strong content moderation methods and reporting systems.
Also, strengthening data security and privacy controls will enable people to secure their online personas and lessen their vulnerability to misuse.
Effective creation and use of these solutions depend on cooperation between IT firms, legislators and civic society.
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise as a tool for combating online abuse. It is capable of analysing vast amounts of data and detecting negative behaviour.
AI-driven content moderation systems can detect and eliminate harmful information.
Also, to avoid biases and repercussions, it is essential to make sure AI systems undergo testing and review.
A multidisciplinary strategy incorporating sociological, psychological and technological aspects is needed.
We should understand the reasons for online harassment, enabling people to defend themselves and use technology sensibly.
DR MANJIT SINGH SIDHU
Professor, College of Computing and Informatics,
Universiti Tenaga Nasional
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times