21/07/2025

LYFE MONDAY | JULY 21, 2025

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More local celebs facing cyberbullying, cancel culture

C YBERBULLYING , especially against local female artistes, is becoming increasingly worrying as open insults, repeated mockery and “cancel culture” continue to spread in the entertainment world with the widespread use of social media. Among those who have been the targets of cyberattacks is actress and host Saidatul Naseha Uyiana Arshad, better known as Uyaina Arshad, who recently received attention when she revealed the insults she received from netizens. For the 33-year-old celebrity, patience is not unlimited and after being silent for so long, she finally made the courageous move, which she described as a form of advocacy and a reminder to the community that cyberbullying is no small matter. “If I do not defend myself, who else will?” she said while expressing concern over the cyberbullying culture, which is increasingly accepted as normal in today’s society. Admitting she is lucky to have a strong support system from family and friends, Uyaina did not rule out the possibility that many other victims may not be as lucky as she is. “I may not be very affected, but others? Some are really hurt, some are depressed, some feel alone,” she said. Armed with the principle that “ignorance is bliss” at first, the former host of Nona, Wanita Hari Ini and Meletop chose to remain silent for nine years, but when the false accusations became more extreme, she could no longer bow to the pressure. “From the moment I entered the industry, I knew this is the package that comes together with being in the industry. Some people will not like your way, whether acting or hosting. Even breathing, some people may not like you just because they just do not like you,” she said. Uyaina said that among the most hurtful messages she ever received were those targetting her family. “Some people question how my mother raised me. Some people tell stories about me when I was in school, even though they never even knew me. But they talk like they know everything. Many celebrities message me privately, showing me the bullying messages they received. They just do not dare OPENAI is planning to take a cut from online product sales made through ChatGPT by integrating a payment checkout system into the chatbot, the Financial Times reported last Wednesday, citing multiple people familiar with the proposals. Merchants that fulfil orders through the payment system will pay a commission to OpenAI, the report said. The move would allow OpenAI to tap a new source of revenue, taking advantage of the heavy user traffic on ChatGPT, in addition to its traditional subscription model. The checkout feature is still in development, but OpenAI and partners such as e-commerce platform Shopify have been presenting early versions of the system to brands and discussing

o Actress speaks about receiving hurtful messages, insults speak up. I am not angry with them because everyone has strengths and ways,” she said, urging her friends who are in the same situation to defend themselves. Malaysian celebrities who have been reported to be victims of cyberbullying include Mawar Rashid, Wani Kayrie, Ara Johari and Janna Nick. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission was reported to have taken down 8,756 pieces of cyberbullying-related content in the past year, a significant increase compared to only 1,763 removed the previous year. Meanwhile, the director of the Communication and Media Studies PhD programme at Taylor’s University’s School of Media and Communications, Dr Nur Haniz Mohd Nor, said the actions of a few netizens who recklessly insult and shame celebrities publicly is a more serious form of cyberbullying, namely “shaming”, which can have major impact on the mental well-being of the artistes involved. She said the psychological effect experienced by victims can occur in the short and long term. “Initially, they may ignore them, but when they persist, they will have an impact on their mental health and work performance. It is not fair because they are also ordinary people who are trying to live their lives as best as possible,” she said. At the same time, Nur Haniz also touched on the role of fan culture and boycott culture (cancel culture), which contribute to the toxicity of social media. “Fan culture can cause other fans to attack anti-fans or anyone who disagrees with their views. Meanwhile, cancel culture is the financial terms, the report said. OpenAI and Shopify did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The two companies had announced a partnership earlier this year, shortly after the artificial intelligence startup launched an enhanced shopping feature to better display products and reviews, the report added. The Sam Altman-led company currently displays suggested products on ChatGPT through links that take users to online retailers’ websites. OpenAI said earlier this year that its annualised revenue run rate surged to US$10 billion (RM42.5 billion) as of June, up from US$5.5 billion in December 2024. The company, however, lost around US$5 billion last year. – Reuters

Uyaina has been vocal about her experience of being a target of cyberbullying. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @UYAINAARSHAD

act of openly criticising and boycotting someone when they are considered to have committed a social or moral offence. Group attacks (dogpiling) also occur when celebrities are simultaneously attacked with negative comments, threats and excessive use of

right to criticise, insult and even denounce celebrities openly. Kamal explained that freedom of speech should not be misinterpreted as a licence to insult, defame or attack the lives of others, including celebrities. – Bernama

memes,” she explained. Crime analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim said the view that celebrities are public property is one of the main reasons why this group is targeted by cyberbullying. He said the view caused some individuals to feel they had the

OpenAI working on payment checkout system within ChatGPT

OpenAI is planning to integrate a payment checkout system into ChatGPT. – PEXELSPIC