SINGAPORE: What would you do if you saw someone not wearing a mask in public?

Mind your own business, or perhaps advise the person to wear a mask because it is now required by law and helps reduce the spread of COVID-19?

Another option might be to report the infringement to the authorities. However, some people have decided on a different approach: Snap a photo and post it on social media.

With numerous Facebook groups and Telegram chats providing a platform for this in Singapore and elsewhere, experts CNA interviewed have explained why online vigilantism has appeared to become more prevalent during the pandemic.

They said some see it as a social responsibility borne out of genuine concern for public health, while others cannot stand seeing others get away with breaking the rules as they themselves are compliant.

Some of these vigilantes might also be motivated by jumping on the bandwagon and seeing their posts go viral, the experts added.

But observers said this behaviour risks inciting unhappiness and rallying the online mob, influencing others to attack the alleged offenders with sometimes xenophobic comments.

They added that vigilantes could also end up doxxing alleged offenders or identifying them wrongly, while victims may suffer public shame that far outweighs the official punishment.