Dealing with Cyber harassment and other cybersecurity concerns

 By Grace Kauli & Kayleen Misah

 

Dealing with Cyber harassment and other cybersecurity concerns

Introduction

In the digital era, Cyber harassment and security concerns on Facebook has become one of the most pressing issues affecting many young users nationwide. According to Maras (2016) as cited in UNODC, Cyber harassment involves the use of ICT to intentionally humiliate, annoy, attack, threaten, alarm, offend and/or verbally abuse individual. It can take various forms such as cyber-bullying, false pretense and privacy violations (Smith et al., 2023).These issues raise security concerns highlighting the need for practical measures to ensure a safe space while engaging on the platform. 

 

Image source: Kelp website

 

Understanding Cyber harassment

Unlike traditional harassment, cyber harassment can be persistent, spreading faster to a wider audience, extending across multiple platforms in the span of a day. Citron (2014) further elaborates that online harassment can be continuous and widely disseminated making it difficult or impossible to escape because it will affect all areas of a victim`s digital life. It can further lead to victims experiencing anxiety, depression and fear as a result of continuous harassing online (Tokunaga, 2010). For example, a news article published by Post Courier on the 26^th of May, 2021 stated that 5 to 21% of girls and women in Papua New Guinea are dealing with cyber-bullying by men which led to victims taking their own lives because of stigma faced in the community. This actions are very serious therefore Facebook users must take heed of what they share online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other forms and Impact of Cyber harassment

Furthermore, Divine Word University`s Director of the Centre for Learning and Teaching, Mr. Picky Airi, states that Facebook is not restricted to any individual in terms of creating an account. Hence, allowing people to create fake accounts and access private information from other users intentionally through scamming and identity theft. As stated one of the most common cyber threats is identity theft, where criminals gain unauthorized access to personal accounts, leading to financial losses and privacy violations (Lee, 2022). Therefore, users online, especially Facebook are urged to share limited posts or information that is not personal but interesting to everyone.

Practical security measures of Cyber harassment

Security threats on Facebook remain a major concern, as cyber-criminals exploit user`s weaknesses through hacking, scams, and malicious software. Protecting one’s digital identity requires proactive security measures, such as enabling two-factor authentication, creating strong passwords, and adjusting privacy settings (McDonald et al., 2016). Furthermore, users should remain cautious about suspicious links and unknown friend requests, as they may lead to security breaches (Florêncio & Herley, 2013).

Conclusion

Facebook continues to improve its security features and harassment prevention mechanisms, however, ongoing user awareness and responsible online behavior must remain crucial in maintaining safety. Implementing cybersecurity best practices and advocating for stronger platform regulations can contribute to a secure digital environment (Livingstone & Helsper, 2007). By working collectively to recognize and address cyber harassment and security concerns, users can foster a more respectful and protected online space.

 

 

 

 

 

References

 Citron, D. K. (2014). Hate crimes in cyberspace. Harvard University Press.

Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.law.umaryland.edu/books/91/

Florêncio, D., & Herley, C. (2013). The economics of online crime. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 27(3)

Retrieved from: https://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/jep.23.3.3

Lee, S. (2022). Protecting personal data in digital spaces. Journal of Cybersecurity Research,

Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-67268-2_6

Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. J. (2007). Gradations in digital inclusion: Children, young people, and the digital divide. New Media & Society, 9(4)

Retrieved From: https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/2768/1/Gradations_in_digital_inclusion_%28LSERO%29.pdf

McDonald, A., Cranor, L. F., & Friedman, B. (2016). Privacy settings: User preferences and concerns. Proceedings of the 2016 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.

Retrieved From: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lorrie-Cranor/publication/228237033_Beliefs_and_Behaviors_Internet_Users%27_Understanding_of_Behavioral_Advertising/links/00b7d5319b862a63bb000000/Beliefs-and-Behaviors-Internet-Users-Understanding-of-Behavioral-Advertising.pdf

Post Courier (2021) Women, girls face Cyber bullying on social media.

Retrieved from: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/women-girls-face-cyber-bullying-on-social-media

Tokunaga, R. S. (2010). Following you home from school: A critical review and synthesis of research on cyber-bullying victimization. Computers in Human Behavior,

Retrieved from:  https://doi.org/10.1016/jchb.2009.11.014

The negative impacts of Facebook on youngsters in PNG

 by Kayleen Misah & Grace Kauli

 While Facebook provides a platform accessible and beneficial for information, education and other opportunities for social networking, it also poses negative impacts, especially for young people. In the context of using social media, benefits often come with risks or challenges. In support to this, Twenge et al., (2018) states that Facebook can pose serious challenges to mental health, social development and digital safety of youths. Therefore, to fully understand Facebook`s role in the digital lives of young people in PNG, a user must not only consider what Facebook adds but also what it takes away.

An FB user receiving cyber security alerts on her account.  

One of the most concerning issue that most youngsters in PNG face is Cyberbullying. Facebook provides a space where bullying can occur under everyone`s nose without face-to-face interactions. Such practices include harmful comments which can further lead to over-stressing or worrisome and suicidal acts. This can further cause conflicts between individuals, families and communities over a long period of time. Patchin and Hinduja (2020) found out that a significant portion of teens had experienced cyberbullying through social media platforms. Examples can be clearly seen online once logged into Facebook, therefore it is better to keep one`s private life out of such social media platforms.

Secondly, Facebook cannot be trusted in terms of getting first-hand information as it can sometimes lead to misinformation. Young people often rely heavily on sources found on Facebook for research and other activities but lack the ability to fact check and verify these information, as most are unreliable or misleading information. Such actions influence people`s understanding of important issues and lead to confusion and fear (Guess et al., 2019). For example, post courier online contributor, published that during the Covid-19 era, fake news circulated on Facebook and other platforms about the vaccines being part of a government control scheme and may cause infertility. This instigated fear within people that led to rejection on getting vaccinated for protection of the disease. Therefore, to avoid being misinformed, verify information posted online and do further research for clarifications.

The user is trying to report the threat back to Facebook.

Another pressing impact of fb that disturbs daily activities of oneself, especially young adults, is Facebook`s effect on mental health. While the platform enables users` emotional expression and support, it also creates an environment where comparison and validation seeking are constant. This comparison can foster depressive symptoms, especially when users see their own lives as not exciting or successful than those that they see online. In addition, Nesi & Prinstein (2015) states that the platforms emphasis on likes and comments reinforces a need for external approval, which can create anxiety when posts don`t receive expected number of engagement. And this is common for most young Papua New Guinean users on Facebook. Furthermore, as time passes this can contribute to more serious mental health issues such as chronic depression or suicidal ideation, particularly among vulnerable adolescents (Twenge et al., 2018).

To conclude, Facebook offers opportunities for connection and expression but its negative impacts on young people cannot be overlooked. This include, cyberbullying, exposure to misinformation and mental health struggles. Parents, educators and young people of PNG must be aware of these risks and take steps toward healthier, more mindful use of social media.

 

 References 

Gari, B (2025). Fake news in PNG: How to spot and stop misinformation. Post Courier Online Contributor

Retrieved from: Fake news in PNG: How to spot and stop misinformation - Post Courier

Guess, A. M., Nyhan, B., & Reifler, J. (2019). Exposure to untrustworthy websites in the 2016 U.S. election. Nature Human Behaviour

Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339632458_Exposure_to_untrustworthy_websites_in_the_2016_US_election

Nesi, J., & Prinstein, M. J. (2015). Using social media for social comparison and feedback-seeking: Gender and popularity moderate associations with depressive symptoms. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology

Retrieved From: 10802_2015_20_Article 1427..1438

Twenge et al., (2018). Trends in U.S. adolescents’ media use, 1976–2016: The rise of digital media, the decline of TV, and the (near) demise of print. Psychology of Popular Media Culture

Retrieved from: Trends in U.S. Adolescents’ media use, 1976–2016: The rise of digital media, the decline of TV, and the (near) demise of print.

 

 

Positive Impacts of Facebook on Young Papua New Guineans

 by Grace Kauli and Kayleen Misah

Facebook has become an essential tool for the young people in Papua New Guinea, offering opportunities for education, social networking, and economic growth. In a country like Papua New Guinea (PNG) access to traditional resources and infrastructure can be limited, therefore Facebook bridges these gaps by providing an easily accessible, low-cost platform for communication and learning. It serves as a service for young generations to create public profiles (Dhiman, 2022). Despite ongoing concerns about the potential downsides of social media, Facebook continues to serve as a vital space where individuals can freely connect, share knowledge, and engage with a global audience in today’s interconnected world.

FB users interacting online via live

One of Facebook’s most significant contributions in Papua New Guinea is its role in education. The platform allows students and teachers to share resources, participate in discussions, and explore diverse perspectives. For example, the Gunantuna blog on Facebook educates locals about East New Britain’s traditional customs, bridging the gap for students who lack access to traditional educational materials. Schools and universities have also adopted Facebook as a tool for communication, allowing students to receive important announcements and engage with their peers (UNESCO, 2022).  Facebook makes it ideal for education accessibility to the public, optimizing for low-bandwidth networks and mobile devices, making it usable in remote areas. Additionally, its interactive features, such as live    videos and group pages, enable real-time learning and collaboration. However, the reliance on Facebook for educational content raises ethical concerns. The platform’s lack of strict content regulation can expose users to misinformation, which may hinder learning. This highlights the need for media literacy programs to help users critically evaluate the information they encounter online.

another fb user interacting through posts and comments.

Facebook also plays a crucial role in strengthening social connections. It allows families and communities to stay in touch. Through messaging, video calls, and group discussions, people can maintain relationships, share important updates, and engage with others in real time (Cameron & Barret, 2021). However, beyond family-related connections, Facebook offers a platform for social and emotional support as well. This includes community-driven pages that offer safe spaces where individuals can share personal struggles and receive advice or assistance. Additionally, fostering a deeper understanding between individuals and their ability to connect and create virtual communities (Chen,2024). For instance, Facebook groups like Senisim PNG, enable users to engage with others who share similar interests or challenges. However, these nteractions often remain surface-level. While likes and comments can create a sense of connection, they lack the depth of face-to-face interactions.

Overall, Facebook’s impact on education and social connections in PNG is undeniable. It provides accessible tools for learning and communication, empowering individuals and communities. However, its influence comes with ethical challenges, such as the spread of misinformation and the potential for shallow interactions. By addressing these issues, Facebook can continue to be a powerful force for positive change. As the platform continues to evolve, fostering digital literacy and promoting responsible use can help maximize its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks. Collaborations between educational institutions, community organizations, and Facebook itself could create programs that teach users how to navigate the digital world more safely and critically. 

 

References

Cameron, J. & Barret, L. (2021). Communication in the Digital Age. Technology and Society Journal, 17(3), pg. 45-59.

Chen J (2024) Community Connections: Exploring the World of Facebook Groups. Global Media Journal.

Retrieved from: https://www.globalmediajournal.com/open-access/community-connections-exploring-the-world-of-facebook-groups.pdf

Dhiman, M (2022). Social Media and youth engagement: The role of Facebook in digital identity formation. Journal of Communication Studies, 45(2), pg. 112-128.

UNESCO. (2022) Social media and education in Papua New Guinea: A new era of learning. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Retrieved from: https://www.unesco.org/en/countries/papua-new-guinea