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