
The implementation of regulatory measures is required in order to prevent the alarming misuse of digital platforms by individuals involved in the dissemination of hate speech and fake news. The emergence of social media platforms has revolutionized the way people communicate with each other and it has offered a plethora of opportunities for individuals to share their thoughts and opinions.
The rapid spread of misinformation and fake news on these platforms presents a significant challenge to the integrity of information exchange and can have serious consequences in terms of public opinion, social cohesion and political stability. Misinformation and hate speech have become significant challenges in the digital age as social media platforms have facilitated the spread of these harmful practices across borders and cultures.
In addition to regulatory measures, there is also a need for greater public education about the dangers of fake news and hate speech. This education should begin at an early age and ensure that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and counter misinformation and hate speech when they encounter it. This could include training for social media users on how to identify fake news and hate speech as well as efforts to promote the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.
Another important measure that could be taken is to support the development of alternative platforms that prioritize responsible and ethical communication.
This could include the creation of new social media platforms that are designed to foster healthy and respectful communication as well as the promotion of existing platforms that are more actively involved in monitoring and moderating their content.
The absence of effective social media regulation that ensures the accountability of violators has only aggravated the already existing problem of hate speech and disinformation spreading rapidly across various digital platforms. The need for regulatory measures to prevent the misuse of digital platforms by individuals who seek to spread hate speech and fake news has become increasingly important in recent times.
The misuse of social media has resulted in disturbing consequences with the spread of misinformation and hate speech fueling extremist ideologies and polarizing societies dangerously impacting the political and social stability of countries.
It is crucial to establish strict guidelines on social media platforms and have algorithms that detect hate speech and fake news. Such guidelines could also enforce mandatory identity verification for users and impose penalties on social media platforms that fail to comply. Undoubtedly, stricter and more effective regulations need to be in place to help combat the rise in hate speech and the spread of disinformation on social media platforms.
It is essential to highlight the detrimental effects of fake news and hate speech and build extensive public education and awareness programs that equip individuals with the tools to identify and counteract such harmful content. Moreover, government initiatives that aim to raise media literacy could help promote critical thinking among individuals making them more capable of distinguishing fact from fiction.
Social media actors have become infamous for encouraging the spread of false information just to obtain more likes, shares, and increase their followers. The internet has given everyone a chance to share their point of view and social media platforms have made it possible for people with all kinds of agendas to promote their beliefs, ideals, and products. Unfortunately, it has also become an easy avenue for spreading false or misleading information making it challenging to decipher what is true or false.
One of the primary reasons why social media actors would seek to disseminate false information is to satisfy their need to attain popularity, visibility, or influence. In this digital age, the number of likes, followers, and shares their work receives often translates to their ability to reach and affect more people. This drive for popularity and an increase in viewership leads social media actors to make false statements, exaggerate claims, and spread fabricated stories knowing that it will attract more likes and shares.
Another reason for the spread of false information on social media platforms is political propaganda. Political actors and parties often use social media to spread their propaganda promoting their agendas. The creation of fake news and misleading stories is a common trend in politics and they are often used to attract people to a particular cause. Anyone can publish news or create stories online making it difficult to monitor or verify the authenticity of such information promptly.
The financial gain that comes with viral content is another driving force behind the spread of false information. Creating viral content often gives rise to numerous marketing opportunities which in turn means more businesses are willing to pay for advertisement space, increasing revenue for the creator. Social media influencers who share viral content can command high fees for sponsorships and adverts, thus, motivating them to create more and more sensational content.
To curb the spread of false information, there is a need for social media platforms to enforce stricter guidelines and regulations to ensure accountability for violators. Clear frameworks and guidelines must be put in place to help people distinguish between true and false information that is being shared online. Platforms should also consider algorithms that detect and remove fake news and promote quality journalism and fact-checking services to help counter misinformation.
The need for effective guidelines, accountability measures, and educational programs to help people distinguish between true and false information is essential. Social media must be regulated to ensure that it is not misused to create hostile environments for people to promote their agendas or disseminate false information. Everyone must play their part in building a responsible and authentic digital society.
The implementation of regulatory measures is required to curtail the alarming misuse of digital platforms by social media actors involved in the dissemination of hate speech and fake news, experts suggested.
From Addis Ababa University Journalism and Communication School, Anteneh Tsegaye (PhD) told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the expansion of the media landscape not only allowed people to entertain diverse views, but also opened the door for groups and individuals to instigate unrest.
The fact that the majority of false information is well planned and targeted and the negative effect it has on the public is devastating, he said adding that false information is widely shared due to the nature of the platforms regardless of Ethiopia’s limited internet penetration.
“As to the study conducted by Addis Ababa University, over 85 % of the social media content is political,” he noted.
Emphasizing the destructive role of manipulative social media contents in inciting the unrest in different parts of the country, the academician stressed that the trend has pushed the country to pay unnecessary price.
According to Anteneh, the absence of effective social media regulation that ensures the accountability of violators has aggravated the problem. “The hate speech and disinformation law gives protection to public figures, and politicians, among others. Nonetheless, mostly these are the ones who are spreading disinformation.”
Similarly, Hawassa University Research and Technology Director Gebrekristos Nuriye (PhD) said some social media actors and their devotees are the main instrument of misinformation in digital platforms.
Social media actors have largely encouraged disseminating false information to get more likes, shares, and increase followers, he stated while suggesting “Government’s disclosure of timely and accurate information as an instrument to curtail the spread of fake news on social media.”
Anteneh also mentioned a system dubbed ‘linguistic’ which enables individuals to be accountable by tracking their social media posts and images as well as tracks hate speeches.
He further stated that Ethiopia is undertaking several activities to put the system in place. The government’s close partnership with owners of social media platforms including Facebook and YouTube is also beneficial to hold individuals involved in disinformation and hate speech accountable.
“Institutions, on the one hand, should introduce and promote their official social media accounts as well as must be alert in unveiling false information. Moreover, activities that could enhance the public’s media literacy must be carried out through the involvement of public figures, religious institutions, and higher education institutions,” he indicated.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2023