A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

Aug 25, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

It is true that while technology is a powerful tool for the advancement of mankind, it can also be used for negative purposes, to the detriment of people and society in general. Our access and decision to use the social media carries with it many responsibilities, including the power to be a publisher, something that many users fail to understand or appreciate.
The ease with which persons can express their views to large numbers of people around the world in an instant is a power most have never dreamed of having until social media burst onto the scene. But as we embrace social media, we must be aware of the harm and hurt it can inflict on people when we publish false and malicious statements.
We should endeavour at all times to propagate the truth, but not our own truths or repost untruths posted by others.
As a nation we are faced with the challenge of mastering this rapidly evolving technology, while at the same time having to use it responsibly. While it is a medium for us to share our personal views with others, we would be well advised to exercise restraint in terms of the postings we place on social media.
We should be mindful of the social and legal implications. Not seeing it does not mean the hurt or harm is not there. We should avoid hurting others, because youths learn from us, and many would believe it is the norm to hurt others and they would most likely do the same.
Unfortunately, people, especially youths, are obsessed with posting images and pictures of themselves on social media. In many instances these images/pictures seem to be pushing the boundaries of ethics and moral decency. This new social standard has been adopted by what are termed ‘selfies,’ which have become the norm.
It is also well known that cyber bullying is real and young people regularly would use the internet to engage in a form of verbal violence, the scale of which we have never experienced before.
In many countries, including Guyana, hateful and vitriolic statements dominate social media posts of many teenagers, compounded with threats of physical violence. In many cases, teachers are required to intervene in these internet-based-initiated conflicts, and the resolution can be arduous and time-consuming. These situations transcend boundaries and are becoming prevalent in many societies around the world.
Parents should monitor their children’s activities on social media. Too often, children are eager to befriend strangers, blissfully unaware of the dangers of their actions. Some would share very personal information and images of themselves with these strangers, not realizing that once that information or image is out there, it cannot be retracted. Unknown to their parents, others would arrange to meet with strangers, oblivious to the dangers associated with such meetings.
Unethical use of social media is widespread; it knows no boundaries, therefore, it is highly preferable for parents to truly educate and guide their children from a tender age in the ethical and responsible use of social media, as well as its dangers. In fact, they must only allow children to use social media when they are considered mature enough to understand the responsibility that accompanies its use. It should be made very clear that they would not be allowed to use social media until they are socially, emotionally and intellectually capable of doing so.
As a society, we must all take full responsibility for what we communicate with others. We must also be fully aware of the consequences, legal or otherwise, of our actions on social media. In using the social media, we must be prepared to adopt ethical standards. Social media has and continues to be a double-edged sword, and although it gives us the right to exercise our freedom of speech, if we are not careful, we can become a society where untruths become the order of the day and self-destruction becomes an inevitable outcome. We must adhere to certain levels of integrity when using social media.

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