the monitor

wo Truths and a Lie: The Power of Social Media

In recent years, social media has brandished immense power, compelling traditional media to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. T

Newspapers, once thriving with substantial print runs, have seen their circulation diminish, pushing them to embrace social media to stay relevant and sustain their operations. The immediacy and reach of digital platforms allow news to spread rapidly and across borders, a shift that has presented newspapers with both opportunities and challenges.

While the integration of social media into news dissemination has brought some positive effects, it has also introduced significant drawbacks. Social media’s expansive reach has, unfortunately, come at the expense of journalistic integrity. The ease with which information can be shared has led to a surge in unverified or incomplete news being spread by self-proclaimed journalists and ordinary users alike. In the rush to be first, the need for accuracy and sensitivity often falls by the wayside. In some cases, families are confronted with news of their loved ones' deaths or accidents through social media before receiving it directly from relatives, an issue that can be deeply distressing.

Editor's Comment
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up