Forum Stresses Need for Responsible Use of Social Media

Addis Ababa, March 31/2021(ENA) Participants of a dialogue forum on the role of social media in Ethiopian politics stressed today the need for using social media in a responsible manner to minimize its adverse impacts on the country.

In his opening remark, House of People's Representatives Foreign Affairs and Peace Standing Committee Chairman, Negeri Lencho, said recent reports have shown that social media have  been used as a medium of hate, naming, labeling and stereotyping others.

This will not help democracy building in the country, he added.

The chairman called on all users of social media to refrain from destructive engagement as peace is a pillar for democracy.

International Revival Ministry Board Member, Haile Gebre said social media is as an important platform in exercising freedom of expression and building democracy.

However, social media has also adverse negative impacts if users do not used it properly, he added.

The nation is above everything, Haile noted, urging social media users to be avoid hate mongering and emotion by giving priority for peace and stability of the country.

As Ethiopia is at a critical juncture everyone needs to think about and preach peace, he stressed, adding that all persons should contribute their share to make the general election  peaceful and democratic.

Addis Ababa University lecturer, Getachew Dinku said on his part social media plays critical role in creating collaboration among people, but it has also undeniable challenges.  

He stated that social media has recently been exploited to spread violence, fake news, disinformation and other propaganda through various means.

The existing relevant provisions of civil, criminal, administrative and other laws need to be applied to manage the social media, the lecturer noted.

He pointed out the need for educating citizens about the danger of fake news and ensuring that the public rejects information with destructive intent.

International Revival Ministry, in collaboration with International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Inter-Africa Group, and European Union organized the half-day dialog forum.