We spoke to Dr. Maria Santos, a clinical psychologist based in Manila, about the psychological impact of such scandals. "The leng scandal ph is a textbook example of digital shaming," she explained. "The victim experiences a loss of control over their own narrative. This can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation."
Dr. Santos emphasized that the public often underestimates the long-term effects. "Even after the online frenzy dies down, the victim has to live with the knowledge that strangers have seen their most private moments. That kind of trauma does not simply go away."
The Bystander Effect Online
Another psychological phenomenon at play is the bystander effect. In the context of the leng scandal ph, thousands of people witnessed the spread of harmful content but did nothing to stop it. Many assumed someone else would report the posts. Others felt that intervening was not their responsibility. This collective inaction allowed the scandal to grow unchecked.
Social media companies have tried to combat this by making reporting tools more accessible. But the problem is cultural as much as technical. Changing how people behave online requires a shift in mindset. It requires empathy.
