PETALING JAYA: When online popularity turns into harmful influence, the consequences can extend far beyond the screen especially when young followers begin to imitate dangerous or illegal behaviour, say experts.
They said the power to influence followers comes with a responsibility that some social media personalities appear to ignore.
Assoc Prof Dr Fauziah Mohd Saad, a psychologist and counsellor at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, said young people were particularly susceptible to social learning, peer pressure and the need for acceptance and belonging.
She said individuals tended to imitate people they admired especially those perceived as successful, popular or attractive.
“Emotional attachment to influencers can also create a false sense of trust and closeness.
“As a result, young followers may imitate harmful behaviours without fully understanding the risks and consequences,” she said.
The issue of unscrupulous influencers came to light recently following reports of a toddler who suffered serious health consequences after accidentally consuming drugs kept in a candy box by his mother, a 23-year-old local influencer, who has a large number of followers.
Assoc Prof Fauziah said repeated exposure to harmful content could gradually normalise dangerous behaviour and lower young people’s perception of risk, particularly when such activities attracted likes, attention and social approval.
She said parents, educators and counsellors need to strengthen digital literacy, critical thinking and moral reasoning among young people while encouraging open communication and providing positive role models.
“Popularity does not equal credibility and influence should never replace good judgement.”
Criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy said Malaysia should establish clear and objective criteria to identify harmful online conduct.
He said the criteria should cover the promotion of criminal activities, scams, drug abuse, dangerous challenges, child exploitation, incitement to violence and the deliberate dissemination of harmful misinformation.
“We must distinguish poor judgement, offensive opinions or irresponsible content from conduct that causes demonstrable harm or constitutes an offence.”
He also said a social media ban should be considered in serious or persistent cases where legally authorised, necessary and proportionate, with due process and avenues for appeal.
“Effective deterrence depends not simply on the severity of punishment but also on the certainty and timeliness of enforcement.”
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said influencers could contribute positively to society by sharing constructive and useful knowledge, but those who posted harmful content should be reprimanded and face action.
“We do not need those who create harm and corrupt minds especially young netizens.
“Online communities should also know how to differentiate right and wrong, acting as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the authorities and promptly report irresponsible influencers and content creators.”
Lee also urged the authorities to take public complaints seriously and act swiftly rather than dismissing it as trivial.
