Challenges of digital reputation and reality of social media talk by DSS

The Department of Safety and Security (DSS) of Kampar Campus organised a talk titled Digital Reputation: Challenges and Reality of Social Media on 14 November 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

The event featured Deputy Director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Ts Faizul Azlee Mahat from the Perak Office. Ts Faizul, a graduate of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, has been serving with the MCMC since 2010. The talk was also attended by DSS Kampar Campus Head Mr Wong Kean Loong and UTAR staff.  

During the session, Ts Faizul shared valuable insights into the challenges of managing digital reputation in today's social media-driven world. Topics covered included the impact of misinformation, privacy concerns, and the influence of algorithmic biases on digital interactions. The talk emphasised the importance of understanding digital ethics and maintaining a positive online presence in the face of these challenges.

Ts Faizul began his talk by introducing the internet and various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more. He stated, “The reality and power of social media are evident, with 4.5 billion active users globally. On average, these users spend about two to five hours a day on social media. Content can be shared worldwide within seconds, making reputation management both challenging and crucial.”

He further explained, “Digital reputation refers to the perception of an individual or brand based on their online behaviour and interactions, as well as what others post about them. On the other hand, the digital footprint challenge encompasses the trail of data left behind during internet usage. This includes the websites visited, emails sent, and information submitted to online services.”

Ts Faizul further elaborated on the challenges of managing digital reputation. He remarked, “Whatever we post on social media becomes a permanent part of the internet, and it is nearly impossible to completely erase it. The first challenge is permanence. The second challenge is viral power—negative content or mistakes can spread rapidly, making them difficult to control. Next, privacy issues arise when personal information is misused or disclosed to others. Lastly, cyberbullying and fake news can significantly damage the reputation of social media users.”

He also touched on the phenomenon of “cancel culture”, describing it as a form of social media backlash where individuals or brands are publicly shunned or “cancelled” due to controversial issues. “Cancel culture leads to a loss of trust and can escalate to personal and family attacks, jeopardising both personal safety and mental health,” he explained.

To build and maintain a positive digital reputation, Ts Faizul shared practical tips and highlighted the importance of thoughtful engagement on social media. He recommended applying the THINK principle: ensuring content is truthful, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind. Additional advice included setting account privacy, managing shared information carefully, and regularly monitoring content and digital footprints.

In conclusion, Ts Faizul highlighted that digital reputation is a powerful and enduring asset that can greatly impact an individual’s life. While social media offers numerous opportunities, it also poses significant risks. Proactive management and awareness, he stressed, are essential for protecting and enhancing one’s digital reputation.

The insightful session concluded with a Q&A session, followed by a photography session with the speaker and attendees.