Mobile Myanmar: The Impact of Social Media on Young People Living in Conflict-Affected Regions of Myanmar
where the reports are sent if they were to use it, showing concerns about whether blocking or reporting someone
could backfire and cause other problems for them.
Participants from all locations shared a lot of examples of what not to do when using social media, showing a clear
indication of what is considered to be inappropriate. The common responses from both sites were that users should
not share fake news, inappropriate pictures or videos (specifically of a sexual nature), or personal information. Some
suggested not posting actual images of themselves or others, which could be used by hackers or sexual predators).
Participants from rural and urban locations commented on the need for privacy, suggesting people should avoid
comments or posts that could hurt another user’s dignity or infringe on other people’s privacy. Rural participants also
made particular mention of not cursing in the comments and posting things that could ignite arguments and conflict
(including topics on religion and race).
Participants from the urban locations noted that people should take responsibility in what they post and like rural
participants, agree that social media should be used to look up and share useful information (examples included
educational posts, career prospects, and health information). Participants from urban and rural locations noted that
there should be a focus on posting positive speech, such as inspirational posts and poems.
There was consensus between rural participants that the adults in their lives have not taught them about cyber safety.
Participants reported that the adults do not know how to use smartphones (only to make calls) and thus cannot teach
them how to use it, let alone teach them how to stay safe online.
“The elders in our villages don’t use Facebook so they don’t know how to teach their children.” Male, 25 years, Kayan
Christian, Kyun Taw village
There was minimal mention of siblings’ role in teaching about online safety, and one mention of teachers explaining
what to do and not do. There was also one mention of a participant’s father suggesting other ways to use their time
instead of being on Facebook.
“My father told me instead of using too much Facebook, to read something that can benefit [me]”. Female, 20 years, Kayah
Buddhist, Htee Theh Kaloe & Daw Lyar Khu villages (Kayah State rural)
While most rural participants revealed that their parents do not control or limit their social media/phone use, there
was mention of parental concern over the amount of time they spend using their device. Some participants noted
parents advising or limiting their time spent on their phone in the evenings (e.g., 10pm curfew).
In contrast, there was a mixed response from urban participants regarding parents’ and/or teachers’ involvement with
their social media use. Some suggested that their parents do not know how to use social media and so cannot teach
them about it.
“Parents don’t know how to use phones. When we use, they will look. As they don’t know about it, they couldn’t teach us.”
Male, 18 years, Kayan Christian, Loikaw (Kayah State urban)
“My parents don’t have phones and don’t know how to use phones. They just told us what they heard from others. They
heard news about a teenager who got a boyfriend and ended up married young, so they warned me about using Facebook.”
Female, 20 years, Kayan Christian, Dee Maw Hso (Kayah State urban)
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