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Prepared for Save the Children International by Authors Brad Ridout, The University of Sydney Melyn McKay Krestina Amon, The University of Sydney Andrew Campbell, The University of Sydney Research Team Joy Wiskin Paul Miki L Seng Du Theh Mar Cover photo: Phyo Phyo Nay Win Published by Save the Children International Strathmore Building #03-01, Tanglin International Centre, 352 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247671 Email: andy.nilsen@savethechildren.org Website: www.savethechildren.net November, 2019 Suggested citation Ridout, B., McKay, M., Amon, K., & Campbell, A. (2019). Mobile Myanmar: The impact of social media on young people in conflict-affected regions of Myanmar. Yangon, Myanmar: Save the Children Myanmar and The University of Sydney. © Save the Children International 2019. You may copy, distribute, display, download and otherwise freely deal with this work for any purpose, provided that you attribute Save the Children International as the owner. Disclaimer This publication does not necessarily reflect the policy position of Save the Children International or any Save the Children Member organization. The information in this publication was based on available information at the time of preparation. No responsibility is accepted by Save the Children International or any Save the Children Member organization for any errors or omissions contained within this publication.

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Mobile Myanmar: The impact of social media on young people in conflict-affected regions of Myanmar

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English

Topic

Hate Speech
Internet Connectivity / Accessibility

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Save the Children
The University of Sydney

Date Published: Nov 1, 2019

Abstract: The advent of social media in Myanmar following the transition towards civilian rule announced in 2011 has given young people an important new platform for civic engagement and expression, and access to information and knowledge. But while young people are highly engaged with social media and its potential to bring benefits to their daily lives, this research reveals a number of alarming trends. Emerging new dangers such as online sexual harassment and hate speech are widespread and deeply concerning, and threaten to impact the safety and participation of girls and minority groups. Most young people lack the digital citizenship skills required to protect themselves from the online dangers and emotional and mental health impacts of social media highlighted in this report. The study finds evidence that young people across Myanmar suffer from ‘hate speech fatigue’, often exacerbated by repeat exposure to fake news and propaganda targeting specific communities. Over time, this effect limits young Myanmar users’ willingness to seek out and engage with reporting and blocking functions that may help combat fake news and hate speech online. Understanding the impact of social media on social and political discourse in Myanmar is of urgent, critical importance. While the young people in this study saw great potential for social media to increase empathy and understanding between different groups, the struggle to curb anti-Muslim hate speech in particular, and the structural and violent oppression it begets, is still very real. As recent global events have shown, democratic processes are especially vulnerable to disinformation campaigns and the spread of fake news and hate speech. Myanmar’s democracy is still new, and with elections upcoming in 2020, social media could very well play a role in shifting voter attitudes, especially among young people.

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Mobile Myanmar: The impact of social media on young people in conflict-affected regions of Myanmar

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