Distorted role models dominate social media

RIYADH – Many users of social media find on Internet the right opportunity to showcase their talents, their ideas and their work, and present them to others via this open and accessible platform. Fame is now attainable by anyone, even if they don’t deserve it. By following a few of those people seeking fame, it becomes evident that they are fools insulting religion and disregarding modesty. But their numbers are increasing, which leads us to question the causes and look for solutions to deal with this phenomenon. Faculty member in sociology at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University, Khaled Al-Naqiah, said that the simplicity of modern technology, and the chance of becoming famous, has enticed many in the community to try and become famous online, even if at the expense of religion, values, ethics and principles. He indicated boldness, superficial thought, and attention seeking behavior were driving social media, and saw petty celebrities get invited to festivals and events, and have people follow them. “Even some companies use such individuals for advertising purposes, paying them enormous amounts of money, which makes people follow them in anticipation of a selfie,” he said. Family counselor, Mohammed Al-Shuraim, said that the masses by nature tend to like everything that is strange and exciting. “Maybe some were deceived by the fact that the official authorities did not initiate strict sanctions from the start, but were keen to raise awareness of electronic crimes and violations. And with a growing number fighting for fame, some have committed trivial and even immoral actions, and perhaps some of them reached the degree of stupidity, especially in offending the religion, or national and social values,” Al-Shuraim said. Lawyer and former judge, Abdulaziz Al-Shberma, said that online crimes are classified as informational crimes and crimes of electronic defamation in the case where electronic technology is a tool for publishing. This is criminalized in the first paragraph of Article VI of the anti e-crime law, which states that it is punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and a fine of not more than SR3 million. The punishments apply to any person who commits any IT crime, such as the production, dissemination or saving of information that would prejudice public order, or religious values, or morals, or the inviolability of private life. A consultant in psychiatry and addiction, Dr. Asaad Sabir, said that that the personality traits of some individuals led them to publicizing their manners in tasteless ways without respect for customs and traditions. He said when a young man, woman, or teenager, has an emotional void, they can feel insecure or loses affection and social and family support. This can see them search for proof of existence and belonging. Sabir said solving the problem required providing programs that address all the issues that young people struggle with. — SG