The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
February 6 every year is dubbed Safer Internet Day (SID) which is a day set aside to create awareness for a safe and better internet for children, youths and adults.
Since January 1, 1983, which is considered the official internet birthday, internet has made life easier in terms of research, communication, information sharing among other aspects.
However, the freedom that came with having internet has often been abused hence creating several demerits.
One of the vices born with the internet include cyberbullying, predominantly witnessed on social media platforms, notably X (formerly known as Twitter).
The bullies, harass, stalk, insult innocent people and some go to the extent of creating humiliating memes and videos.
The victims of cyberbullying often grapple with persistent mental health issues, adversely affecting their self-esteem.
Some internet users adopt fake digital identities to carry out malicious activities, including bullying and scams. These fabricated identities may involve stolen information, tarnishing the reputation of the actual identity owner.
The widespread sharing of information on the internet makes it challenging to regulate its consumption, leading to increased moral degradation as young people are exposed to explicit content.
The internet is accessible to everyone, meaning anyone can share any information they wish to. This freedom has led to sharing of wrong information on websites and social media platforms.
Socialization has also taken a hit, with individuals spending excessive time on internet-connected devices, leading to a decline in their face-to-face social skills.
These issues merely scratch the surface of the potential hazards associated with the celebrated internet. SID aims to shed light on these dangers, emphasizing that the internet, being a positive invention, should be harnessed to contribute to a better world, as reflected in this year's theme, "Together for a Better Internet."
