OFFSTONE JUNE EDITION 2025

43 polarisation, and public health risks. In environments where everyone can be both a publisher and a consumer of information, the absence of gatekeeping contributes to a climate of confusion and distrust. Ethical and spiritual perspectives offer important guidance in addressing the digital communication crisis. From an Islamic standpoint, communication is a functional exchange and a moral act. The Qur’an encourages believers to "speak good words to people" (Qur'an 2:83) and to avoid mockery, backbiting, and slander (Qur’an 49:11-12). These principles are deeply relevant to digital spaces, where anonymity and detachment often erode accountability. Islamic teachings emphasise moderation, intentionality, and respect in all forms of interaction. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advocated for thoughtful speech, advising, "Let whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day speak good or remain silent." These values encourage digital media users to engage constructively, verify information before sharing it, and avoid contributing to digital harm . Closing Digital technology has transformed communication, enabling fast, global interaction and content creation. However, it has also led to a crisis marked by the loss of meaning, empathy, and understanding. Addressing this requires intentional, values-based communication through media literacy, respectful dialogue, and healthy boundaries. For Muslims and others seeking spiritually grounded engagement, digital spaces must be navigated with integrity, compassion, and self-awareness to restore the depth of human connection. BIBLIOGRAPHY Chang, C.-W., & Chang, S.-H. (2023). The Impact of Digital Disruption: Influences of Digital Media and Social Networks on Forming Digital Natives’ Attitude. Sage Open, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231191741 Hutmacher, F., & Appel, M. (2023). The Psychology of Personalization in Digital Environments: From Motivation to Well-Being – A Theoretical Integration. Review of General Psychology, 27(1), 26–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/10892680221105663 Jo, H., & Ahn, H.Y. (2024). Understanding digital engagement: factors influencing awareness and satisfaction of digital transformation. Discover Computing, 27(23). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10791-024-09455-4 Nguyen, M. H., Gruber, J., Marler, W., Hunsaker, A., Fuchs, J., & Hargittai, E. (2022). Staying connected while physically apart: Digital communication when face-to-face interactions are limited. New Media & Society, 24(9), 2046–2067. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820985442