Social Science and Human Research Bulletin

Social media has transformed the way people communicate, interact and share personal experiences within increasingly open digital environments. Although previous studies have examined social media from the perspectives of communication practices, platform use and online behaviour, limited attention has been given to the relationship between changes in communication, life-sharing culture, public responses and politeness challenges. This article aims to analyse social media user behaviour from the perspectives of Malay politeness and Islamic ethics using a qualitative conceptual approach. The study employs document analysis to synthesise theories, concepts and relevant literature on digital communication, politeness and Islamic ethical principles. The analysis indicates that social media user behaviour evolves through changes in communication spaces, user roles and interactional practices, which gradually foster the development of a life-sharing culture. This culture encourages diverse public interpretations and responses, increasing the likelihood of politeness-related conflicts in digital communication. The analysis further demonstrates that Malay politeness provides a cultural framework for respectful communication, while the Islamic principles of tabayyun and husn al-zann offer ethical guidance for receiving information, interpreting online content and responding responsibly. By integrating these perspectives, the article offers a conceptual explanation of the relationship between communication practices, life-sharing culture, public responses and politeness challenges in contemporary digital environments.

social media user behaviour, life-sharing culture, digital communication, Malay politeness, Islamic ethics

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