‘Use social media wisely’
INFORMATION Communication Technology and Cyber Security Minister Supa Mandiwanzira has urged youths to use social media responsibly as it has the capacity to shape or destroy their future.
Speaking during a Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) customer awareness road show at Nyamhuka Business Centre in Nyanga on Saturday, Minister Mandiwanzira said a digital footprint was difficult to erase and that what people post on digital media had the potential to affect them for life.
He was referring to a video clip of Harare schoolgirls bragging about prostitution, which has gone viral on social media.
“Cellphones are good in many ways. They enable us to go on Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and also enable us to communicate with relatives.
“Let us use the gadgets to enhance our businesses, but Government also wants to warn citizens and youths in particular that if they misuse social media, it has the capacity to destroy them,” said Minister Mandiwanzira.
“I am sure many of you have come across those who send nudes and cur- rently some parents have been complaining about schoolchildren whose video has gone viral while they are singing obscenities.
“Let us not condemn the schoolchildren, instead educate them. I have seen a lot of condemnation of those kids.
“A digital footprint is difficult to delete and if you post something today due to the excitement of the moment, especially moments that you are not so proud of, just remember that it will be forever.
“In five or 10 years’ time when you are sitting in a job interview someone will go on Google and Baidoo and search for you and the findings might not be pleasant,” said Minister Mandiwanzira.
He said as the nation heads for elections, President Mnangagwa’s Government would not bar political parties from campaigning through social media messages as the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees freedom of expression to all citizens.
Minister Mandiwanzira urged politicians and their supporters not to insult others via social media.
The road shows held in Mutare and Nyanga saw many people being educated on how they can air their grievances on different networks if they are not happy with service delivery. —Picture by John Manzongo