Don't shut down social media; promote its responsible use

The recent shutdown of X in Tanzania following the deportation and detentions of Kenyan activists stirred up the conversation around social media management and regulation not just in the region but in the country too. Proponents of this discussion believe it is time for Kenya to take serious measures to bring the digital space to order by revising or enforcing existing laws. Critics, however, feel this is akin to curtailing the fundamental rights of Kenyans to freedom of speech.

All of us know someone who has been a target of cyber bullying, hate speech and misinformation if not ourselves. We see it every day. Strangers uniting for the sole purpose of trolling another stranger. Private information being shared online to shame and bully people into silence or simply to get even.

False narratives being sponsored to overshadow truth. These experiences highlight the dark side of the digital space where anything goes regardless of how damaging, malicious and unfounded they may be in the name of freedom of expression. Still, even as we highlight the negatives, it would be dishonest to summarily dismiss social media as a tool of destruction. The revolution of our time is digital innovation which ushered in great advancement in technology, social experiences and intellectualism. It continues to play a vital role in strengthening governance through activism and community engagements.

Last year’s youth led protest had social media take centre-stage where the controversial Finance Bill 2024 was disseminated on platforms including Whatsapp, Facebook, X and even Instagram. The X spaces provided a stage for leaders, activists and government officials to engage first-hand with the public in town halls never seen before. The logistical flare during the entire protest period remains unmatched, a testament to the power of social media when used objectively.

However, any freedom, any tool, however good, when abused can turn disastrous. When social media is used to mock mothers, spread hate, misinformation and be an avenue for human rights violations, there is need to worry. It ceases to be empowering when it tears apart our values as a people and erode all sense of humanness in us. There is a false sense of invisibility and bravado that abusers of social media adorn. A sense of heartlessness that allows them to write things they wouldn’t ordinarily, say out loud. A state of soullessness that makes them believe the only way they can communicate effectively and be heard is through vile and obscene words. Most importantly though, we may want to understand why society, without a care, cheers on these few voices of unreason through liking, sharing and retweeting what it should ideally block.

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As a country, we must be deliberate in acknowledging what different studies reveal about the dangers of ungoverned digital spaces. Responsible use of social media will not only safeguard our freedoms and protect our oneness but will also prevent other societal crises such as mental health. Incorporating digital literacy into our curriculum is one thing that is long overdue. Ensuring the existence of sound regulation and enforcement is another.

Social media has significantly changed how we do things. Researchers, tutors, students, even religious institutions are successfully using social media to advance their causes. Shutting it down will do us more harm than good. We have a duty to ensure our digital space is safe and secure for all citizens regardless of their political alignment, profession, gender or religious stand. Just like the Earth, we own this space collectively.

Before we send ourselves back to the cave days with knee-jerk reactions, we need to acknowledge that social media, the entire digital space is not the problem. People are. A good starting point may be to analyse what got us to be this insensitive and callous behind the keyboard. What happened to us that we derive so much joy in inflicting pain to strangers and willfully destroy relationships for virtual validation? Why are we so quick to do things that are detrimental to our wellbeing as a country and society? Finding answers to these basic questions may work better than blanket censorship.

Ms Wekesa is a development communication consultant. [email protected]