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Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s Case Teaches The 101 Of Social Media Ethics

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The Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy case which centralized around harassment has erupted a few social issues that are the talk of the entire nation; from harassment to professional ethics to the power of social media. But the underlying subtext of the entire issue which needs to be addressed is the social responsibility both public figures and the general public need to revive while using social media.

Social media is a platform which gives everyone a chance to voice themselves. It is absolutely necessary to realize that there is a vast difference between news that is written or broadcasted by a journalist and an opinion written or broadcasted by an individual. News reported by a journalist consist of authentic facts whereas opinions expressed by individuals are a result of their personal ideologies. That is why it is essential to not ignorantly believe what you read or see on social media, and instead mindfully resort to reliable resources for authentic ‘news’.

Source: 24HOURS.PK

Lately, harassment stories have been taking social media by storm; where some individuals choose to courageously come forward with their fateful experiences using the trending hashtag #MeToo, some don’t, solely because of personal choice. However, when someone raises their voice as a victim of either harassment or sexual abuse do not jump to conclusions whether they are or not the actual victims. It is essential to be aware of both sides of the story and if one side is not coming forth with a personal statement, base your judgment on authentic news sources which after thorough investigation would provide the public with evidence regarding the real victim and convict.

Source: Michael Hyatt

Regardless of however influential a public figure is, if they are making a statement about another individual or entity, it must always be critically analyzed by the reader if whether or not reliable evidence is provided to validate the statement made. It all comes down to every reader making sure that they are not being mindless sheep. Make sure to seek authentic news platforms and fact-check what you read or see on social media before believing and ‘sharing’ what could be untrue.

The social responsibility famous figures have is proportionate to their undeniable influence on the general public. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s recent statement commenting on her first claim about the harassment issue, “Some of the words I used in anger have disappointed people and I agree that they were poorly chosen in a time of heated emotion”, is in itself a lesson to readers that whereas some public figures will be morally ethical, like Sharmeen, to explain themselves about a statement they gave, some may not.

Source: Twitter

Therefore, just as much as it is the responsibility of influential public figures to be responsible about what they post on social media, it is also the responsibility of the public to be mindful of what they read, believe and especially ‘share’ on social media platforms.

With ongoing investigation involving the Doctor in the question of the Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy case; professionals from the world of medicine are empathetically acknowledging that harassment is a serious issue within all societies and the turmoil victims endure on a daily basis are severe. However, it is essential to point out the concern about the negative perspective Sharmeen’s not so composed social media post has given health professionals.

The trending hashtags #WeAreHeroesNotHarassers #SayNoToHumiliation which was initiated by health professionals in the Middle East and further taken forward in Pakistan, is a projection of need that professionals from the world of medicine felt to defend their moral and professional ethics in order to restore the lost trust some people, unfortunately, may have developed.

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s case teaches that when you have the power to influence the masses with your words; choose them wisely so that more good is done than harm and that the true essence of a message is clearly communicated.

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