Gulf News readers: Websites not to blame for what users post online

Dubai:  While the internet is the perfect tool to express opinions, abusing its freedom defeats the purpose. Gulf News readers agree that people should take responsibility for what they say and do — even in cyberspace.

Their remarks follow a first-of-its-kind trial at the Dubai Misdemeanours Court involving Facebook, a social networking website. The defendant pleaded guilty to uploading several pictures of the plaintiff, and posting libellous comments under each of them.

Markus Stebich, a German national residing in Dubai, believes that many people use the internet as a scapegoat, instead of considering their own behaviour. According to Stebich, just because a comment is posted on the internet, it does not change the fact that it was communicated to people.

He said: "The internet is a tool, just like television and newspapers. Anyone who abuses that should bear the consequences."

Stebich, an architect, believes that with every message being communicated, the person has to take responsibility for the action.

Mary Nganga, a Kenyan front desk coordinator in health care, agrees that situations involving serious accusations should be dealt with in a professional manner. She said: "If an employee was caught doing something wrong, he or she needs to be dealt with in the right way and not through the use of the internet as a form of revenge."

Nganga, a Dubai resident, feels that spreading slanderous comments is wrong and that the internet or social networking websites are not to blame, as they are only a "form of communication and not the message itself".

Nganga added that at the end of the day, the words expressed online originate from the person, and not the internet, so they have to take responsibility.

Ayah Kahook, an American national in Al Ain, feels there should be a level of respect for others when publishing content on the internet. She said: "It is understandable if someone published a joke, but using the internet to play with someone's reputation is wrong."

Kahook never posts a picture on Facebook without getting permission from the person photographed. The university graduate, said: "The internet is a great tool and a helpful form of communication. It should not be used to cause problems."

A reader, who wished to stay anonymous, commented on the issue on gulfnews.com: "Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with people. However, it can also cause serious trouble if care is not taken."

However, Shine, a Dubai resident and gulfnews.com reader, said that the blame lies with social networking websites such as Facebook, which encourage such careless actions. Shine said: "I believe that values, respect and ethics do not matter when it comes to such forums. I hope such networking websites are banned."