Approach with caution
The advent of technological advancement and the creation of social platforms heralded a watershed moment that set the stage for a paradigm shift that has challenged and supplanted traditional media’s dominance.
We live in the internet age, where images and data are constantly being exchanged. Audiences are no longer just consumers of this constant flow of information; they are also creators. They can share and transmit live pieces of information about significant events around them in real-time outside of traditional media structures, using only an internet-enabled camera phone and voice recorder. They can share and transmit real-time information about significant events happening around them outside of traditional media structures.
The use of social media platforms continues to aid in the investigation and communication of important issues in Namibian society. Social media remains a valuable tool for ordinary people to express their opinions, discuss important issues, and raise their voices on topics that the mainstream media avoids or ignores. And journalists are receiving tips from various social media users, and they are following up on the stories to ensure the information is worth publishing and credible in society’s ears and eyes.
This type of participatory reporting contributes to the provision of robust information and data to traditional media. However, it also serves as a check and balance mechanism, holding traditional media structures accountable for bias and a lack of news coverage. Several injustices and dishonesties have emerged in our society as a result of the use of social media platforms. Social media platforms have exposed stories such as a Cabinet minister having an offshore account, people whipping employees for loans, and child abuse.
Although civic reporting is critical for addressing imbalances and injustices in our society, fabricated stories should be avoided because they lead to contempt for individuals and defames characters.
Journalists are trained professionals for a reason, and it stands to reason that untrained citizens would feel more at ease following the rules of media reporting. Deceptive information can harm the reputations of individuals and organisations, and there have been cases where victims of defamatory characterisation on social media platforms have approached the law, and sued the perpetrators to pay the appropriate amount of money for sharing invented information.
As a result, caution should be exercised when sharing uncurated and unverified information online, as it may land them in hot water.
*Leonard Kanime is a social commentator.