Crime
The Impact of Social Media Misuse and Government Measures on Democracy: A Critical Analysis
Government addresses social media misuse and cyber security bill critics. Concerns raised about democracy restrictions and deceptive political gains through social media. Call for responsible online discourse and fact-checking to prevent societal disruption.
6 min read
Originally published by barbadostoday.bb (opens in new tab)
I am all for the use of technology. As a young person, I am as much invested in, and aware of, the beneficial uses of all the modern forms of communicating, generally under the umbrella of social media. I have also seen and supported the enhancement of democracy utilising technology. Platforms that facilitate discussions – ideas and comments by citizens on serious matters have an important place in society. However, the misuse of social media must be addressed before any more loss of life, reputation, employment or identity occurs. This is simply what the government is trying to do.
I watched with great interest as critics who are now engaging with the government on the cyber security bill speak about restrictions on democracy, obviously clouded by politics and clearly ignoring the catastrophic ills that social media portends. What else is to be expected from people who are themselves blatantly misusing social media day in and day out for political gains, a society cannot be ruled by the lies of insincere people. Anyone at random can be destroyed by postings, without any sanction. Already, there is much talk and active attempts to deceive Barbadians on social media and thwart any possible progress. Driving it is a new breed of politicians, seeking instant fame rather than putting in diligent work and study of matters, offering a lot of pithy and gimmicky 30-second statements disguised as facts. The fact is that the vast majority of it is fiction. The Internet has allowed some people to babble and transmit their ignorance about people and the government. All of us are seeing unnecessary disruption to the functioning of our society. I find it dangerous to knowingly mislead the public, and if no one will call out the distorted information and alternate views, I will. I am sure I too will be said to be trying to halt democracy and prevent people from speaking. I, like most Barbadians, want to see and hear views that will further our development. What we do not want are blatant lies masquerading as an alternative view, the people’s opposition, and couched in other emotionally driven drivel.
Paid ads are running on social media showing steel frames on empty lots of land for housing with a man being heard saying the steel frames have been there rusting and wasting taxpayers’ money, this was proven to be inaccurate. The social media political celebrities made videos to show Bajans that the seaweed harvesting machine at Consett Bay, St John was missing, then hiding. Rusting and not being used. Which one is it? Your guess is as good as mine; this was proven false. Another social media political celebrity slammed the government for incompetence in the handling of the National Stadium and asked, “Where the money went that was borrowed?” This was proven false as no monies were given to the government. Lastly, a social media-famous union boss was heard implicating the National Peace Programme in an event that had nothing to do with them, yet again, this too was proven false when addressed by the Minister of Home Affairs. These are merely a few examples of the kind of lies being pushed out on social media.
