Summary

This article talks about the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Yaacob Ibrahims comments on the recent rumours surfacing on the Internet about kidnap hoaxes. Dr Yaacob encourages Singaporeans to be wary of such rumours, and use their discretion to determine its validity before passing it on to others. As such, he feels that all the stakeholders have to work together to regulate the Internet, especially its downsides. He also acknowledges that the new media will begin to take a more prominent role in reporting news to Singaporeans, but they must however, report responsibly. He also mentions that websites such as Temasek Review Emeritus and The Online Citizen, both critical of governmental policies, cannot be stopped simply because they disagree with governmental policies, but their criticism should be objective instead of being critical for the sake of it.

Commentary
The Internet has indeed opened up many doors for Singaporeans, including many various methods to obtain news. In addition to the traditional media such as the television and newspapers, the new media, especially the social media such as Twitter and Facebook, is also able to spread news rapidly. It is this type of citizen journalism that has taken the place of many traditional media reporting. With cameras now readily available and the internet being so accessible, a picture can be snapped and uploaded in just seconds, and it is this kind of reporting that we have to be wary about, as its validity cannot be confirmed. Personally, I prefer the traditional media as the validity of the news can be confirmed, and we would know that it would be true. However, there are times where I read the news off social networking sites first-hand, and then I would seek to confirm it through traditional media. Another issue from this news would be that of the kidnapping rumours. Although investigations have shown the rumour to be false, it was mentioned in another report that Singapore has become more dangerous with the presence of some foreigners. Indeed, murder cases (such as the Bangladeshi construction worker murdering an Indonesian maid) have increased over the years, and the murderers are more often than other foreigners. Though this may be a hasty generalization, one must admit that there is definitely a correlation between the two factors. Apart from serious crimes, the incidences of petty crimes have also increased. Of course, it is entirely the fault of all the foreigners residing in Singapore, but rather, the fault of some black sheep. The recent kidnapping sham also reminds us that we should not take low crime incidences for granted, and always be alert in reporting crimes.

Singaporeans must be aware of Internet's possible downsides: Yaacob

by Tan Weizhen
04:45 AM Apr 24, 2012

SINGAPORE - Citing the false rumour of child kidnapping here, as well as a recent incident of a teenager who was wrongly targeted by netizens, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Yaacob Ibrahim felt that Singaporeans must be aware of the possible downsides of the Internet. As social media habits take hold, Singaporeans have to be wary of the ease and speed at which such rumours, distortions and hoaxes spread within a very short time, he said. "Out of habit or even genuine concern, some may pass on the rumour without verifying, leading to unnecessary distress or panic. The bite-sized nature of such media also means that lines get taken out of context," said Dr Yaacob yesterday at a Singapore Press Club talk, themed "Traditional and Online Media in the New Normal". Site owners, moderators, teachers, parents and the Government have to work together in what it wants as a society, in dealing with such downsides of the Internet, said Dr Yaacob, who reiterated that the Government is still looking at regulating the Internet with a light touch. He added that as legislation is not enough, users need to be educated on how to use new media, in being "discerning recipients and creators of information". To that end, the National Library Board, for example, is rolling out programmes that will equip students and the "broader adult population" with skills to evaluate the information they receive and the ability to use information "responsibly and ethically". As Singaporeans' use of online and social media, as well as news consumption patterns increase, traditional media must also strengthen their online offerings, he said. Even as traditional media faces competition from alternative media online, they have to exercise independent editorial judgment in their reporting, stressed Dr Yaacob. He said Singapore's "major media companies which have an established presence can set the right tone online", and with "good practices of information sharing and moderation of the various online platforms". During a question-and-answer session, Dr Yaacob was asked about his concern over the growing divide between popular online websites, such as the Temasek Review Emeritus and the Online Citizen, and traditional media such as newspapers and broadcast media. While asserting that the Internet should grow as a platform for serious discussion, Dr Yaacob said a site cannot be stopped "just because we disagree with it". He felt that the best way to go is to encourage other sites to emerge, "that can continue to offer constructive ideas and useful suggestions". "If there are no good online sites or platforms that offer good views, people will naturally gravitate toward those that are popular and available. So, it's up to the online community, really" said Dr Yaacob.

"To a large extent ... if there are more sites available that offer alternative views, but as long as they are constructive ... based on proper analysis, there's nothing wrong with that. I mean, to disagree with the Government is not a crime, but let's put it on a rational objective footing. "The Government has never shied away from that and that is something we look forward to, so that the Internet community can add to the discourse."