Netizens emerge as heroes in aftermath of bombing in Bangkok

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EDITORIAL
Netizens emerge as heroes in aftermath of bombing
The Nation

But the response to Monday's attack in Bangkok also demonstrates the dark side of the social media

BANGKOK: -- Amid nationwide grief over Monday's deadly bombing at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, a slogan of solidarity among Thais has emerged. "Stronger Together" is now echoing across the social media, after it appeared on a banner at the candlelit vigil held at the shrine a day after the attack.

You could be forgiven for assuming that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was behind the slogan's proliferation. During his national TV address on Tuesday, he called for all Thais to unite during this difficult time. In fact, the comforting message first appeared on the social media shortly after news of the bomb attack broke.

The premier has once again asked for cooperation from the media and Internet users. This time his plea against the spreading of rumour and images of the attack has met with a response free of bitterness. It seems that desire for unity now dominates the public mood. The increasingly powerful social media is also playing a major role in conveying condolences to, and mobilising aid for, the families of those killed and injured in the attack.

However, the online networks also have an ugly side and it has been on display in the aftermath of Bangkok's deadliest bombing.

Smartphones and other mobile gadgets now give all of us the power to be "reporters", but few are held to account in any meaningful way for what they spread or share. In the wake of the Ratchaprasong blast, false reports have flown thick and fast. One prominent example was the tweet that claimed all government offices, schools and commercial banks were to be closed after the attack. The message claimed to be quoting a JS 100 radio report, and Twitter users shared it without a second thought, illustrating how dangerous the social-media bombardment can be in the wake of a serious incident.

Apart from spreading false rumours, the social media has also been abused to share graphic and disturbing photos of the attack's victims. Despite calls from fellow Netizens to halt the practice, the photos are still being shared. Such thoughtlessness reflects immaturity, irresponsibility and a grave insensitivity towards the victims' families.

Perhaps even more disturbing are those who have been quick to point figures at the other side of the political divide, exploiting the attack to inflame an already heated national conflict.

As the power of the social media grows, so does its potential to cause harm - especially at times of national crisis.

The lesson we can take from the past few days is to carefully verify each piece of information before we press "share".

The Thai Journalists Association has issued a statement advising news outlets to vet information before reporting and refrain from publishing graphic images. Likewise, the National Council for Peace and Order has repeatedly urged the media to report in a "constructive" manner.

However, change for the better will not come from the top. Each of us must bear the added responsibility of the power of information that the digital age affords us. One positive sign is that many Netizens are now condemning those who spread false information and calling for a code of conduct. The campaign for constructive use of the social media is gaining a momentum, aided by lessons from the Bangkok blast. We have good reason to hope that when we next face a major crisis, the beautiful side of social media will outshine its potential for harm.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Netizens-emerge-as-heroes-in-aftermath-of-bombing-30267008.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-20

[zaphod reborn]

The Thai Journalist Association again spreading its propaganda that only it is capable of properly reporting the news. What pitiful garbage.

[ToddinChonburi]

Taking pictures of body parts then posting them on face book was some sick shit.

[tigermoth]

Thai Visa Forum certainly can't point the finger at the media for rumour spreading. This forum is right up there with them and is totally irresponsible in their coverage of many events and news in the country. Wake up Forum and practice what you preach.

[Usernames]

Heroism = uttering a slogan?

[Srikcir]

"The lesson we can take from the past few days is to carefully verify each piece of information before we press "share".

But sadly, the police don't have a "share" button, just a megaphone to shout a rash of theories and accusations. These statements in turn get magnified through social media which gets blamed for making irresponsible and unfounded statements.

[lildragon]

CSI LA has been excellent throughout. The authorities must hate him though

[Jonmarleesco]

'... social media has also been abused to share graphic and disturbing photos of the attack's victims ... Such thoughtlessness reflects immaturity, irresponsibility and a grave insensitivity towards the victims' families.' This has long been the hallmark of Thai language media reporting, so hardly surprising it has spread to the social networks.

[philipines]

'... social media has also been abused to share graphic and disturbing photos of the attack's victims ... Such thoughtlessness reflects immaturity, irresponsibility and a grave insensitivity towards the victims' families.' This has long been the hallmark of Thai language media reporting, so hardly surprising it has spread to the social networks.

I've been over the age of 21 for several decades now, so when will I be permitted to decide which images I consider too graphic to be shared? When will I be allowed to hear others' versions of incidents even when those versions are counter to the views of whomever?

[Chicog]

'... social media has also been abused to share graphic and disturbing photos of the attack's victims ... Such thoughtlessness reflects immaturity, irresponsibility and a grave insensitivity towards the victims' families.' This has long been the hallmark of Thai language media reporting, so hardly surprising it has spread to the social networks.

I've been over the age of 21 for several decades now, so when will I be permitted to decide which images I consider too graphic to be shared? When will I be allowed to hear others' versions of incidents even when those versions are counter to the views of whomever?

Wow, that went right over your head didn't it?

So you should be able to ogle pictures of victims of tragedies posted by insensitive pricks so that you can decide whether or not they should have been published?