Among those who have been the targets of cyberattacks is actress and TV host Saidatul Naseha Uyaina Arshad, better known as Uyaina Arshad.
The 33-year-old recently took to social media to share her experience and to remind the community that cyberbullying is no small matter. “If I don’t defend myself, who else will?” she told Bernama.
Uyaina, who receives strong support from her family and friends, acknowledged that others may not be as fortunate as she is. “Some are really hurt, some are depressed, some feel alone,” said the former host of “Nona”, “Wanita Hari Ini” and “MeleTOP”.
“I knew going in that these negativities, such as insults and false accusations, are part and parcel of being in the entertainment industry,” she said. “Some people won’t like you just because they don’t like you.”
Among the most hurtful messages she has received were those targeting her family. “Some people questioned how my mother raised me. Some people told stories about me when I was in school, even though they never knew me.”
Still, she is thankful for the messages of support from others in her industry. “Many have messaged me privately, showing me the bullying messages they too received. But some of them don’t dare to speak up,” she added.
“I wish to urge my friends who are in the same boat to defend themselves.”
Local celebrities who have reportedly been victims of cyberbullying include Mawar Rashid, Wani Kayrie, Ara Johari, Aina Abdul and Janna Nick.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is reported to have taken down over 8,700 cyberbullying-related content over the past year – a significant increase from the 1,763 items removed the year prior.
Meanwhile, academic Nur Haniz Mohd Nor said the act of shaming celebrities publicly can majorly affect the mental wellbeing of the artistes involved.
According to the director of a doctorate programme in communication and media studies, the psychological effects experienced by victims can occur in the short and long term.
“They might initially ignore the bullying, but if it persists, it will have an impact on the artistes’ mental health and work performance. This isn’t fair, because they are also people who are trying to live their lives as best as possible,” she said.
Nur Haniz also touched on other aspects that contribute to the toxicity of social media.
“’Fan culture’ can cause other fans to attack non-fans or anyone who disagrees with their views, while ‘cancel culture’ is the act of openly criticising and boycotting someone when they are considered to have committed a social or moral offence.
“Group attacks or ‘dogpiling’ also occur when celebrities are simultaneously bombarded with negative comments, threats, and excessive use of memes,” she explained.
Another expert, Kamal Affandi Hashim, believes that the perception of celebrities being “public property” is a primary reason why this group is targeted.
“Some people feel they have the right to criticise, insult and denounce celebrities openly,” Kamal, a crime analyst, said.
“Freedom of speech should not be misinterpreted as a licence to insult, defame or attack the personal lives of others, including celebrities.”