In dealing with the loss of freedoms and indiscriminate violence experienced since the coup, and the prospect of living under military rule, youth have ventured into grey areas or turned to what could be considered violent and discriminatory practice online, motivated by the pursuit of justice. The practice of social punishment targeting individuals in certain ways following the coup illustrated a potential for harm in the use of social media motivated by individual and collective anger, as well as an outlet for the propagation of discriminatory and harmful practices, such as gender-based discrimination. Peer pressure, and the fact that some users faced backlash themselves for not participating in social punishment with which they may not have been comfortable, also lives in the grey and presents a complicated facet in the fight against repression. With increasing arrests linked to online activity, economic pressure, and a surge in COVID-19 cases social punishment as an online practice has since become less prevalent online and users have attributed this to a deeper understanding and empathy towards others and of themselves. There is recognition that not everyone could afford to participate actively in resistance, or at least not publicly, and that some mistakes were made. This research has found a profound degree of integrity, moral deliberation and empathy expressed by participants, who, whilst they may have over the course of the last 8 months engaged in online activity which could be considered harmful, or have ventured beyond the lines they themselves previously considered acceptable, are mindful and reflective. As many participants pointed out, it is no small task to attempt effective internet regulation. To do so, would require collaboration of various entities, including the government and legal provisions, social media companies and independent monitoring bodies. Most importantly however, it is self-deliberation and self-imposed boundaries that have been found to be the most important area of focus in the current context. Though limitations do exist in widespread technical knowledge and wider digital citizenship practice, the developments that took place prior to 2021, coupled with the experiences of the months following the coup and in crisis, have 42 resulted in fast learning and internet wisdom. What remains is to deal with the repercussions of political crises, prolonged repression and internet fatigue that youth are experiencing now. Youth have expressed feeling tired, lost, de-motivated and even conflicted about their actions and motivations. 5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS 5.2.1 Donors, National Organizations, International Organizations, Civil Society Organizations Dismantling the enabling conditions for hate speech: Narratives of hate speech have widespread appeal today because they thrive on existing circumstances, namely historical divisions and segregation; existing stereotypes and prejudices sown through the spreading of misinformation and the cultivation of fear over the years by successive military regimes (Burma Monitor, Progressive Voice & International Human Right Clinic at Harvard Law School, 2020). There is also a global trend for hate speech and polarization of views due to the way social media platforms amplify certain types of content. A troubling picture of behaviors and thinking perpetuated by hate speech has emerged, and key narratives include the dehumanization of SAC members and supporters and the perpetuation of gender-based discrimination and violence against women. Urgent attention is required by all stakeholders to prevent existing hateful narratives taking root, and to reinforce the work of anti-hate speech campaigns and digital literacy programmes that have been taking place in recent years. International human rights law and standards provide guidance on a multi-pronged approach for Myanmar to combat hate speech, while protecting FoE and civil society space that can be utilized (Burma Monitor, Progressive Voice & International Human Right Clinic at Harvard Law School, 2020). Donors should dedicate time and resources towards projects that enable youth to identify the drivers, root causes and means for dissemination of hate speech, taking into account the current context and holding social media platform regulators to account. It is vital that youth take the lead in promoting dialogue, healing and tolerance moving forward. Digital technology should be supported as a means of expression, communication and societal development across geographical, religious, ethnic and ideological divides: While the prospect of federalism as a shared political vision among pro-democracy and federal proponents has lost momentum since the start of the coup (Ye Myo Hein , 2021), it has on some level resulted in a closer sense of comradery across ethnic and religious divides and presents an opportunity to develop mutual understanding and appreciation among Myanmar’s numerous ethnic groups. FoE online was described by one participant as vital to knowing about and understanding different opinions, particularly among different ethnic groups. Of note is that digital communications also present a lifeline and channel to communicate with military and police forces, to encourage defection (in the short term) and mitigate damages and foster understanding (in the longer term). It is suggested to facilitate online discussions, content and campaigns focused on promoting diversity, shared experiences, valuable differences, and the benefits of mutual respect. Donors should invest in ICT initiatives designed for peace and development and that national and international organizations and civil society should continue to develop their ICT capacities to meet this potential. 5.2.2 Governing Authorities, National Organizations, Civil Society Organizations The need for more digital citizenship programming: In a time of rapidly changing online landscape, providing youth with the competences they need to create culturally

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