Let's Desist From Social Media Bullying

Monitor Editor | Monday November 19, 2018 11:15

But over time, we have observed a growing trend where some people use social media to bully, intimidate or simply disrespect others. Well, social media is a fantastic tool, which, if used properly can do wonders for its users. The back and forth confrontation between local rapper Tshepiso “Kast” Molapisi and the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport, and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng, has kept the internet alive, with cheerleaders excitedly labelling the conversation ‘lit lit lit’, which has since become a popular phrase amongst social media users. 

We do not in any way take sides between the two nor try to say one was wrong and the other is right; it is just a plea for individuals to use social media responsibly.  Social media is a very important platform that enables interaction at different levels.  The many positive uses of social media include entertainment, networking, debating, marketing, advertising, and educating, just to mention a few. When used positively, social media can promote productive use of time, and healthy conversation in which people share personal and professional activities with a wide variety of people, groups, and communities. 

Social media if used properly can be a useful tool in political debates, thus for people who address issues, and offer constructive criticism, as compared to those who use disrespectful, insulting language, all in an effort to get many likes, and become some kind of social media ‘celebrities’.

The bickering between Kast and the Minister, was not supposed to be a subject, which should have been addressed through social media. There are many channels that one can follow when they are not happy with the service provided by certain ministries.

It’s not like the bug stops with that ministry. The Minister too, should not have responded to allegations levelled against his Ministry and himself through Facebook, instead he should have found other ways of addressing or resolving the matter.

Now, tempers have been raised between the two parties, and not so pleasant words, which one might label disrespectful or insulting were exchanged, and in the meantime certain users found that to be entertainment, and chose to become cheerleaders.

We keep talking about wanting to be so many things as a country, but we abuse and misuse crucial platforms such as social media when given the chance. What did those who chose to become cheerleaders, and put paraffin on the fire hope to accomplish?