It's time to think twice before reacting online

In some Southeast Asian countries where traditional media are under both direct and indirect control of government, people often have no choice to but rely on alternative channels for real news. 

For instance, members of the media from Cambodia and Vietnam said the press was so controlled in their countries that people had no choice but to rely on reports shared via social media. In contrast, mainstream media in the Philippines and Thailand rely on social media to share the latest updates with their readers. 

Now, with the rapid growth of mobile devices, availability of the third-generation wireless broadband network and flourishing social-media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google Plus, more and more people are able to keep tabs on news in real time. 

Of course, at a time like now – when yet another political crisis has flared up in Thailand – having the latest updates at your fingertips is especially important. Thais, particularly those living overseas, are able to keep an eye on exactly what is happening thanks to the latest updates from news agencies, journalists and citizens. Plus, everybody gets to see what people from both sides of the battle are saying. 

However, this instant access to news comes with its own challenges – the biggest being what is true and what is not. On social media, comments posted can spread very fast and go really far from the original source. That’s why it is important for people to be responsible and check facts before sharing messages. 

One good example of how far “wrong” information can go was a piece of news posted on media websites on Thursday afternoon. This report alleged that anti-government protesters had cut off water and power supplies at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, the nearby Office of Police Forensic Science and the Police General Hospital. 

This piece of news went viral instantly, with the focus on the alleged cut of power and water supply at the Police General Hospital. Allegations from both sides started flying around until the hospital director issued an official statement saying the power supply had never been cut. 

With a crisis, there is always a lot of pressure for the media to provide up-to-date news and for the audience to consume this news. However, things get tougher and more tense when people start reacting, commenting, sharing and re-tweeting without waiting for the real truth to come out. 

Maybe it is time for social-media users to sit back and study the situation first before reacting. 

There is enough tension already.