Navigating the digital world safely

Raymund Jugan highlighting the psychological effects of social media use.

Karen Arukesamy, President of SIGNIS Malaysia enlightened the audience that whether technology serves humanity or not depends entirely on the conscious choices made by individuals using the digital technology. Hence, awareness is important.

Sep 12, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Technology is advancing at an astonishing pace. With the internet and digital platforms placing information at our fingertips, the pressing question arises: are these tools truly serving humanity? To explore this vital issue, Susan Thomas, head of the Women’s Ministry under the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD), organised a talk on Safe and Responsible Digital Citizens.

Speaker, Karen Arukesamy, President of SIGNIS Malaysia enlightened the audience that whether technology serves humanity or not depends entirely on the conscious choices made by individuals using the digital technology. Hence, awareness is important.

She highlighted that, while internet browsing may seem like a harmless pastime, users must realise that every click is being tracked. Behind the scenes, teams of engineers study browsing habits and use psychology to influence choices, flooding users with targeted ads and persuasive alternatives. This is not accidental but deliberately designed to entrap unsuspecting consumers. Karen urged the audience to be vigilant about what they share online, especially personal details such as their location, daily routines, photos of their homes, or even profile pictures. Such information, she warned, can be misused for identity theft, scams, or stalking. She also reminded participants of the dangers of forwarding unverified messages on WhatsApp, noting how misinformation can spread quickly and harm communities.

The session also emphasised the importance of being responsible digital citizens. Participants were reminded that just as in real life, the Golden Rule applies online — “Do to others what you would have them do to you.”

Among the key tips shared were:
• Respect others’ privacy by not posting photos or personal information without consent.
• Avoid using unsecured public or free Wi-Fi networks.
• Always fact-check, as information found online may be false or outdated.
• Strengthen privacy settings on devices and social media accounts to safeguard personal data.

Raymund Jagan, also from SIGNIS Malaysia, highlighted the psychological effects of social media use. He cited research from the University of Toronto showing that teenagers who split their attention between devices — such as smartphones, video games, and television — tend to score lower in Mathematics and English. Studies also link multitasking, such as texting while watching television, to greater impulsivity and weaker working memory. He warned that constant distraction reduces focus, while gaming addiction has now been officially recognised as a mental disorder.

Participants learnt that social media addiction has a chemical basis. Platforms like Facebook trigger dopamine and oxytocin release, driving pleasure, trust, and social bonding. This can lead to compulsive online activity, turning users into “internet search fiends” and increasing vulnerability, particularly among girls aged 13–15, to sexting and online grooming. Studies show that one addiction can lead to others, including vaping, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, and heavy use can reduce frustration tolerance. Prolonged engagement may also cause Hikikomori, a state of social withdrawal, or obsessive behaviours like constant photo-taking, which prevent users from fully experiencing events.

Experts warn that the internet has assumed a near-God-like role — omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. Many equate technology and material wealth with a flourishing life, yet loneliness, despair, and a lack of meaning remain widespread. True human flourishing, according to the Church, involves integral human development—nurturing the physical, social, cultural, moral, and spiritual dimensions.

To support healthy growth, young people need real-world interaction, movement, touch, outdoor play, and connection with nature. Churches can contribute by opening their grounds for children’s play, fostering social and ecological engagement, and integrating holistic development into evangelisation.

Published in: https://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/navigating-the-digital-world-safely/84718/5