{UAH} Stop misusing social media

Stop misusing social media

In Uganda, several politicians, especially in the opposition, have mastered the art of intrigue and propaganda. Propaganda is nothing new; it has appeared in pamphlets, books and newspapers.

But social media seem particularly prone to spreading fake information. That's because social media engages viewers in a way that some people call "surge," this is a digital-design strategy by video games.

It focuses on keeping the user moving from one element to the next, repetitively, in search of pleasure. This defines Uganda's social media followers and those we call social media influencers, who just follow topics not because they know much about them but because they are paid something to trend some content.

I have observed very many opposition leaders using their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to incite violence, malice and also spread fake news just because they are sure they can get away with it. Some leaders use their Facebook pages to do live addresses and incite people because they cannot use television that is monitored by the Uganda Communication Commission.

Misusing social media aside, the issue of fake news has also been an agenda in the opposition politics. Fake news is generated by outlets that masquerade as actual media sites but spread falsehoods to deceive the public for purposes of inciting them. When these activities move from erratic and chaotic to organized and systematic efforts, they become disinformation campaigns with the potential to disrupt campaigns and governance in the country.

I request that it should be one of the main issues that the ministry of ICT and National Guidance should deal with.

Michael Woira,
Kampala.

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Allaah gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him."And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things." (6:17)

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