Likes, Shares… and Insults: The New Face of Online Culture

"Social media in Malaysia is getting more toxic, with insults and cyberbullying becoming the norm. What’s driving this trend, and how can we fix it? Discover solutions through education, law, and empathy."

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20, 2025: Scroll through TikTok and you’ll see it everywhere: harsh words, insults, and even cleverly disguised profanities. While a few netizens show sympathy, many more choose to attack. This toxic trend has become so common that it feels almost unstoppable.

Why It’s a Problem

Anonymity online makes people bolder — and crueler. What’s worse, negativity spreads faster than kindness. The more toxic the comments, the more the algorithm rewards them, amplifying the abuse. Victims are left vulnerable, while society slowly normalises this behaviour.

What Needs to Change

• Teach digital responsibility: Schools and parents must guide young people to be respectful and empathetic online.

• Enforce the law: Abusive content falls under the Communications and Multimedia Act, but stricter action is needed.

• Hold platforms accountable: Social media companies should crack down on disguised curse words and penalise repeat offenders.

• Promote kindness: Influencers and campaigns can shift the culture, proving that positivity can go viral too.

Final Thought

The way we behave online reflects who we are as a society. If we allow cruelty to dominate, we risk raising a generation that sees disrespect as normal. It’s time to change the trend — with education, accountability, and empathy.