FOR THE the past 12 years, the Communication Innovation Center at Chiang Mai University has hosted “Splice Beta,” a three-day event where journalists and creative professionals from 74 countries converge to discuss the evolving media landscape. This year, over 200 participants engaged in conversations ranging from content creation and business strategies to technological innovation and the mental well-being of journalists navigating an increasingly challenging field.
One particularly compelling speaker was Amantha Perera, a professor from the University of South Australia in Melbourne and a collaborator with the DART Centre Asia Pacific. Perera highlighted the urgent need for a “digital flak jacket” to protect against the pervasive online toxicity that has become a daily reality for many.
Journalists and content creators, often on the front lines of this “digital war zone,” face relentless online abuse. While traditional newsrooms offer some protections, Perera emphasized the necessity of a new approach to safeguard mental health in the digital age. He urged individuals to adopt this “digital flak jacket,” drawing on resources like the DART Centre’s tip sheet for online survival, to navigate this toxic environment and protect their psychological well-being.
Perera also advocated for robust content moderation policies within digital newsrooms. This includes utilizing AI-powered tools and human moderators to identify and remove harmful content, and empowering users with enhanced reporting mechanisms. Proactive measures, such as digital literacy programs, are crucial to equip journalists and content creators with the skills to navigate online spaces safely.
In an era of escalating online perils, it is urgent to prioritize the protection of journalists and the growing number of young content creators entering the digital world.
