Microsoft released findings of its latest Digital Civility Index (DCI). The DCI is an annual survey that examines people’s attitudes and perceptions about online interactions and behaviour. The survey takes place in 22 countries around the world, including Malaysia. The DCI has an aim to raise awareness of the real-world consequences of online risks.
The survey polled teens aged between 13-17 and adults between 18-74. They were asked about their experiences and encounters with 21 different online risks. These online risks are categorized within four umbrellas; behavioural risk such as online harassment, intrusive risk such as unwanted contact, sexual risk such as unwanted sexting and reputational risk such as doxxing.
Worldwide, Microsoft’s DCI fell two points from the previous year, because of a widespread decline in unwanted contact. Malaysia however, registered a small loss in DCI, falling two spots and ranking #6 out of the 22 countries surveyed.
Based on the survey, 53% of Malaysians have been asked inappropriate or personal questions by a stranger online. This is 20 points above the global average, which makes it the most common type of unwanted contact.
Other key findings include:
- 66% of Malaysians have experienced unwanted sexting.
- 62% of Malaysians have encountered fake news.
- 45% of Malaysians have been called offensive names online.
- 34% of Malaysians have received persistent unwelcome demands to develop a romantic or
sexual relationship.
Comparatively to last year’s results, millennials, boomers and teenage girls were the most impacted in terms of risk exposure and its consequences. 94% of boomers were significantly impacted by the consequences of online risks. They suffered moderate to severe pain as a result. On a positive note, the survey also found that more Malaysian teenagers asked for help from their parents when facing and online risk (33%). And therefore, there’s a silver lining to the report.
However, Malaysia being #6 in a worldwide survey about our online behaviours, is disappointing but not, surprising. We as a nation should do our best to combat it, and while I know most of us aren’t like it, we can always be better. Check out Microsoft’s Digital Civility Challenge to encourage people to pledge online to be more civil. Don’t forget, whatever you post online or say to someone online, has real life consequences.
