🏆COVID-19 social media vigilantes: A valid or harmful way of dealing with rule breakers?

Extract from Author

What would you do if you saw someone not wearing a mask in public?

Mind your own business, or perhaps advise the person to wear a mask because it is now required by law and helps reduce the spread of COVID-19?

Another option might be to report the infringement to the authorities. However, some people have decided on a different approach: Snap a photo and post it on social media.

Author’s Reflection

What is your personal takeaway from your SOAP story?
I initially loathed people who took pictures of COVID-19 breaches for social media, but I feel like I now better understand why they do it - although not necessarily agreeing with it.

Now that your story has been published for some time, do you have any reflections to share post-publishing?
The social media culture we live in now is unforgiving. Stop and think before publishing something for 'naming and shaming' or wanting to go viral.

What did you hope to convey to readers through this story?
Ultimately, I hope people take responsibility for what they post on social media. Something seemingly harmless could lead to severe repercussions for those implicated.

How do you feel for being recognised for your work?
I feel genuinely honoured. It keeps me wanting to do what I do.

Written by
Aqil Haziq Mahmud,
Channel News Asia

Saturday,
13 June 2020

Story of the Month, Winner