EDITORIAL: Set better social media examples

Social media, like any instrument, has its advantages and disadvantages. This instant method of communication can connect friends and family all over the world. Unfortunately, it can also be used in negative ways, which we have seen making the rounds in Barbados. It is not just young people misusing the product. Adults are guilty of promulgating fictitious events in an effort to stay current, and fail to set a yardstick by which their charges can follow.

 

There is much good that social media can accomplish; for example, it can alert the public to urgent information in a manner that is more direct than traditional means. However, there are times misinformation can be distributed. 

 

A recent false report making the rounds questioned the safety of new smart meters installed by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and tried, by the flimsiest of connections, to link them to a spate of sudden deaths in Barbados. These unforeseen deaths have no doubt rattled the nation and their frequency has caused much speculation. It was unfortunate that one such rumour placed blame where it should not and the BWA comprehensively set the record straight by educating the public on the proven safety of its meters.

 

One also recalls a recorded voice message circulating during last year’s Kick ’Em Jenny’s heightened activity. That person, who claimed to have inside knowledge, warned that pertinent  information was being kept from the public. 

 

That of course turned out to be patently false.

 

During times of public concern, such broadcasts are extremely irresponsible, much like yelling “Fire” in a crowded room. These messages are malicious and should be treated severely if the perpetrators are caught because the threat to the public’s morale, well-being and health is at risk. Given the nature of social media, however, it is not always easy to trace back to the source. One also has to take into account that some are more susceptible to believing everything that appears factual – even if it is not – and may not exercise discretion in sharing inaccurate information with their contacts. 

 

Such rumour-mongering has not appeared because of technology. Gossip was disseminated years ago by word of mouth – it still does – and would travel around the island by telephone. As this is the time of year for once occupied minds to be idle, parents would be especially wise to remind their charges to stay away from cyber mischief of any kind and use the summer vacation for wholesome activities. And yet, it is not children solely indulging in the practice, but also adults who should and do know better. Adults must recognise that by spreading sensationalist, sensitive matters – such as gruesome deaths that should not be circulated out of respect and decency of loved ones – they are also responsible for propagating negativity and misinformation. 

 

There is much positive the public can do and entertain with social media accounts. We must do better, otherwise we are in no position to criticise young people when we have not set a good example.