Viral video of dispute with Gojek driver: Disturbing to see passenger being mocked and shamed

In a recent viral video which showed a Gojek driver and his female passenger arguing about the route to take to get to her destination, the woman claimed that the driver had locked the car door on purpose and intended to kidnap her when they could not settle the dispute. The driver was later interviewed by the authorities in an investigation but has been allowed to continue driving for the moment.

During the whole frenzy over this incident, there arose what I think is a disproportionate response of moral (or rather immoral) outrage at the woman, ranging from mockery to outright vulgar responses.

I've seen comments by people who used crude terms to describe her and who posted her name and whereabouts. 

It is disturbing to see that a large majority of those who commented think that it is all right to name and shame her, with memes to mock her words.

Even government agencies such as the Singapore Police Force, the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force have made posts referring to the “auto-lock” function in the Gojek driver's vehicle.

I think one alarming facet of the practice of online naming and shaming is the idea that as the number of people sharing the same sentiments (in this case, in support of the driver) grows, the magnitude of the bullying increases.

It has gone beyond merely informing the public about passengers’ behaviours towards drivers to becoming a witch hunt.

From being relatively unknown, people thrown into the spotlight can become online “pariahs”. And this can cause distress and mental health issues.

Camera phones and social media can be a deadly mix. When there is a disproportionate response that turns into online bullying, it can cause the person being attacked to become socially isolated to shield away from the backlash, and it may result in acts of self-harm and the formation of other negative habits to cope with the derision, for example resorting to substance abuse, hurting others, or suicide.

I believe Singaporeans ought to reflect on how we delight in the vilification of others when we feel morally justified to do so, because the magnitude of the response is often not commensurate with the transgression.

If we continue in such fashion as a nation, we may see our society become more vindictive and fearful of others, rather than kind, gracious and forgiving.