As kaleb and Tian Ci have covered the main points in the argument, i would like to focus upon another aspect, the platform on which this video was broadcast. Stomp was initially created to provide a platform on which the netizens could express their thoughts. However, it has since veered off its purpose of meaningful discussion and has become a platform where the netizens criticise other people behind their computer.

A quick peek at STOMP would quickly reveil the direction its heading. Posts such as ' Suggestive photos of Miss S'pore Universe scandalises netizens ', 'China couple kiss non-stop and get touchy-feely on bus ' show a certain sexual nature of the web. In the Miss S'pore post, comments such as " Confirm, she likes BJ services. " and " Her name said it all, "Kum!", That's what she likes! " also show netizens on the web are not just there to critique ungracious moments by S'poreans but to engage in a little voyeuristic moment of their own as well. :P

However, we do have to acknowledge the good things STOMP has done. Its wide audience range and relative lack of restrictions has allowed the public outcry to flow at full speed. This has not only provided amusing readings but has also also created a moral guideline for S'poreans. Granted, many would feel there are 2, the BC 2000 guideline and the 2009 guideline but it provides one nonetheless.

STOMP has also provided us a motivation to behave ourselves. Few people would engage in their small ' romantic ' moments if they expected phone cameras to come out and start clicking. By providing an extensive civilian policing of all things they presume wrong, STOMP has created an environment where our sense of privacy stops us from engaging in public displays of affection, be it for good or for bad.

With the rapid liberalisation of our society, such conflicts would become more and more common with the moments captured more and more absurd. STOMP would be at the frontline when these moral battles take place and let us just hope we dont end up on the main page one day. :)


YI ZHANG Howled at 5:41 PM