The Ethics of Delivering Social Criticism Through Social Media

Before the internet era emerged as it is today, people expressed criticism through various separate media. For example, the singer conveys it through songs and can be listened to via digital media or radio. Poets convey criticism through poetry and can be listened to through newspapers, magazines, books or television. The painters convey criticism through paintings and can be listened to through the media of canvas or television, newspapers and radio. Meanwhile, academics and practitioners convey criticism through face-to-face forums or through television, newspapers and radio media.

People have always felt the need to carry out social criticism, whether directed at the community itself or at the government in power. The aim is not to destroy society or overthrow the government, but to purify or redeem all values, policies and rules that are considered to have deviated. The “critics” feel unable to remain silent or indifferent to the conditions they face, especially when they see injustices practiced in life. The critics refuse to be apathetic while ruling their souls.

However, criticism cannot be conveyed haphazardly. There are rules or ethics. Public figures usually express constructive criticism. That is, criticism is submitted for improvement so that something criticized can be changed into something better. Criticizing requires knowledge, consideration and clarification, so that it does not fall into a criminal case.

Through this assumption, criticism equals dialogue to make improvements or reforms. Because the aim is to make improvements or reforms, the dialogue that is carried out does not use violence, hatred, rudeness, lies, defamation or swearing. Criticism must be between a balanced mix of reason and emotion.

But unfortunately in the current era, where communication technology and the internet are developing very rapidly, people are experiencing an "emancipation explosion" and consider social media as a space to express freedom of opinion freely. There are some people who criticize constructively and ethically, but there are others who criticize not in the right way. Even for this second group, what is conveyed is not criticism, but more like hate speech, provocation and even leads to slander and defamation.

Social media has opened a free space for anyone, without exception. So those who understand ethics and those who don't, can use it. In order not to fall into criminal acts, before submitting criticism, it is necessary to understand the ethics that are considered valid.

When you intend to give criticism, you must be ready with solutions and constructive suggestions. If you don't have a solution or suggestion for the criticism that has been submitted, it is tantamount to bullshit (nonsense). Such criticism has more negative impacts on both the critic and the critic. And maybe there will be a dispute between the two.

Convey criticism objectively. Prioritizing objectivity in giving criticism is proof of our honesty in criticizing. Say true if it is true, and say false if it is false, not the other way around. Don't because you come from a different group, then we criticize just to find fault with others so that their image or good name falls in public.

Convey criticism gently and politely, so that the criticism conveyed will be easily accepted compared to criticizing with a forceful and harsh attitude, because the person being criticized does not feel forced to accept the criticism. After all, criticism that is conveyed roughly can be used as evidence to bring the criticism towards a criminal.

We need to express criticism with the aim of getting changes and improvements for this nation in the future. However, criticism needs to be conveyed according to the capacity of our knowledge and must be based on generally accepted ethics. Defamation, hoaxes, provocations or slander are not included in criticizing activities.

So be careful in distinguishing between them, so that we do not violate the rights of others and the law. And what we must both understand is that the Orderly Indonesia Movement does not only apply in real space, but also in cyberspace. With order in the real and virtual worlds, we automatically protect ourselves or the good name of the institution we represent.