07/08/2025

THURSDAY | AUG 7, 2025

11

Curbing social media addiction W E all know the feeling – reaching for our phones without thinking, just to scroll, like or watch something – anything. There is also the problem of misinformation. You watch one video on a topic and suddenly your feed is full of similar content, whether it is accurate or not. reward users with just enough pleasure to keep them coming back. COMMENT by Siti Umairah Mohamad Idris and Mohd Istajib Mokhtar

So, what can be done? First, platforms need to be more transparent about how their algorithms work. If users understand why they are seeing certain content, they are better equipped to make informed choices. Second, developers should build features that protect users, like limits on doom-scrolling, more accessible screen time alerts and content diversity tools. Some platforms have already introduced features like time tracking and wellness reminders. But as critics point out, these tools often feel more like public relations than real solutions. The responsibility cannot fall on users alone, especially when the technology is working against them. Governments also have a part to play. Regulations like the European Union’s Digital Services Act are trying to hold tech companies accountable by demanding better data protection, user safety and ethical use of AI. International cooperation will be essential since these platforms cross borders and affect billions of people. At the same time, we – users – need to step up. That means learning how to spot addictive behaviours, fact-checking information and setting healthy boundaries. Digital literacy should be taught in schools, workplaces and homes. Knowing how to scroll smart is as important today as knowing how to read. In the end, social media is not going away, and it shouldn’t. It has immense potential to do good. But to unlock that good, we must rethink how it is built, used and regulated. If we don’t, we risk raising a generation that is not just bored but quietly addicted. The next time you find yourself swiping out of habit, ask yourself: Who is really in control – you or your feed? SitiUmairah Mohamad Idris and Mohd Istajib Mokhtar are from the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

At first, users see content from friends. But the longer they stay, the more the algorithm stretches to find new, often more emotionally charged content to keep them engaged. This design is not accidental; it is intentional, and it is powerful. Despite knowing the risks,

YouTube, in particular, has been called out for leading users into echo chambers, where the same opinions are repeated and reinforced,

These little moments fill the gaps in our day: waiting in line, before bed or between tasks. But somewhere along the way, checking social media stopped being a choice and started becoming a reflex. So, the question is: Are we just passing time or are we caught in something deeper? Many of us do not realise how quickly casual use can slip into dependency. What starts as boredom relief becomes a habit, and soon enough, not touching your phone for a whole day feels like a personal milestone. The line between control and compulsion has grown thinner, especially in a world where apps are carefully designed to keep us hooked. Let’s face it: social media is both a blessing and a burden. On the bright side, it helps us stay informed, entertained and connected. It gives people a voice, raises awareness and fuels creativity. For example, researcher Pia Juliebo-Jones noted that young people often rely on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to keep up with news, especially health-related topics. But while social media opens up new possibilities, it also opens the door to manipulation, distraction and misinformation. How many times have you opened an app just to “check something quickly”, only to find that an hour has passed? That is not random; it is by design. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram use algorithms that track what you watch, then serve more of it to keep you engaged. Daniel Campbell, who studies digital ethics, calls this a cycle of “bad habits”, driven by systems that are less about helping you and more about holding your attention. AS temperatures soar across Malaysia, the heatwave gripping the nation is more than just a matter of discomfort; it poses a real threat to public health. Heatwave alerts are triggered when maximum daily temperatures range between 35°C and 37°C. The heat is largely attributed to the southwest monsoon, which typically brings drier weather and intense heat – conditions that are expected to last until September. Health hazards Extreme heat can quickly lead to a spectrum of health issues, especially when the body’s core temperature rises above 40°C. At that point, vital organs begin to suffer. Recognising early symptoms and responding quickly is crucial. Among the first signs is heat rash or prickly heat, an itchy red irritation caused when sweat ducts become blocked. Heat cramps, on the other hand, result from salt and fluid loss due to excessive sweating, causing painful muscle spasms, often during or after strenuous activity. If the heat strain continues, it can lead to heat exhaustion – the body’s way of signalling dehydration and salt depletion. Symptoms include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, excessive thirst and heavy sweating. If untreated, this can escalate into heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency in which the body loses its ability to cool down. Warning signs include confusion, unconsciousness and seizures – and unlike the earlier stages, sweating may stop entirely.

often without fact-checking. These feedback loops can be dangerous, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like politics, health or personal identity. But that is only one side of the coin. Social media has also transformed marketing and personal branding. As pointed out by digital media expert Z. Ghafar, it is never been easier for individuals and businesses to reach massive audiences. A small business can now build a following, promote products and engage with customers without spending a fortune. In many ways, social media has made the world feel smaller and more accessible. Yet, beneath the surface,

“Many of us do not realise how quickly casual use can slip into dependency. What starts as boredom relief becomes a habit, and soon enough, not touching your phone for a whole day feels like a personal milestone.

Facebook (now Meta) did not act. Instead, it kept optimising its platform for user engagement because more engagement means more profit. The company denied wrongdoing, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg claiming their research was misunderstood. But public trust was already damaged. The leaks led to a wave of criticism, congressional hearings and fresh calls for regulation. This situation raised serious ethical questions: Should platforms be allowed to keep such research secret? Do users, especially young ones, have the right to know how their mental health is being affected? Many

darker truths are coming to light, especially about how these platforms affect mental health.

ethicists say yes. Transparency, accountability and user protection should be basic responsibilities, not optional extras. From a design perspective, social media algorithms are not neutral. They are built to trigger emotions, prolong screen time and create habits. That is not always a bad thing but when these systems start affecting mental health, they cross an ethical line. The problem is not just the content; it is how that content is delivered, curated and pushed.

One of the most significant moments came in 2021, when Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, leaked documents showing the company was well aware of Instagram’s harmful effects on teenagers. Internal research revealed that Instagram contributed to anxiety, depression and body dissatisfaction, especially among young girls. Haugen revealed that Instagram’s algorithms create “dopamine loops”, feedback systems that

Staying safe in scorching heat

COMMENT by Assoc Prof Dr Shahrul Nizam Ahmad Zamzali

What to do in an emergency Prompt action can save lives. If someone shows early signs of heat-related illness: 0 Heat rash or heat cramps: Stop all activity, move into the shade, rest and hydrate – preferably with isotonic drinks, which help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. 0 Heat exhaustion: Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital. Left untreated, it can progress to heat stroke. 0 Heat stroke: This is a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately. Move the person to a cool place, remove excess clothing and begin cooling methods such as fanning, applying damp towels or using cool water. If the person is conscious, offer sips of isotonic drinks. Never leave the individual alone until help arrives. Staying healthy Heat-related illnesses are largely preventable. The key is awareness and proactive care. Here are essential tips: 0 Stay hydrated: Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Isotonic drinks are helpful, especially during prolonged outdoor exposure. 0 Dress smart: Wear loose, breathable, light coloured clothing to reflect sunlight and allow heat to escape. 0 Avoid peak heat hours: Limit outdoor activities between 11am and 3pm. If you must go out, use hats or umbrellas for shade. 0 Protect the vulnerable: Check in regularly on the elderly, young children and those with chronic health conditions. Many may dismiss the rising temperatures,

Extreme heat can quickly lead to a spectrum of health issues, especially when the body’s core temperature rises above 40°C. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

thinking, “We’re used to the heat”. But this is not just typical Malaysian weather. Ignoring the warning signs can prove dangerous. This heatwave is more than a seasonal shift; it is a test of our awareness and preparedness. Let us not wait until a preventable tragedy

strikes. Stay alert, cool and safe.

AssocProf Dr Shahrul Nizam Ahmad Zamzali is a consultant emergency physician at KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com