While the advent of mobile technology and social media promised unprecedented connectivity, it has introduced significant challenges. Instant global communication is now possible, yet this progress facilitates the rapid dissemination of harmful content, including misinformation, illicit material, cyberbullying, and malicious rumors.
Couples have separated due to online deception, and children have become addicted to violent media, which experts link to real-world aggression, such as the tragic school incident in Tacloban.
This contrasts with the simplicity of the past. During the 1970s, 80s, and 90s in Saudi Arabia, communication relied on public payphones to reach family abroad.
Without the prevalence of screens and easily accessible harmful content, technology had not yet fundamentally altered human behavior.
The question remains: when rules are violated, who should be held accountable? Who is responsible: the individuals who post harmful content, the companies that host it, or the parents of minors who misuse technology?
A viable path forward requires national, provincial, and local governments to collaborate on enforcing clear laws that address online misconduct. While strong warnings should precede punishment, accountability is essential.
By requiring verified identification for cell phone and internet service registration, authorities can effectively trace those who disseminate harmful videos, misinformation, illegal content, or malicious rumors that damage reputations and personal lives.
Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Barangays, provinces, and national agencies must coordinate their efforts to uphold morality, ensure community safety, and promote the ethical use of technology.
