By Bryson Jumbe
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| Social media platforms |
Social media is considered an important aspect of sharing information in today's world of technological advancement.
The platform has over the years been embraced as a core online tool for marketing and media communication.
It is credited with building social and professional relationships, facilitating business transactions, development and promoting democracy.
Despite having these and many other enormous advantages, social media is often abused by users.
There have been cases of posting defamatory, private conversations, racist and sexist remarks, and obscene content such as nude photos and videos on social media sites.
Some of these have been circulated with the aim of character assassination or imposing personal views on others.
October this year, there were at least two separate cases in Lilongwe where video clips of two women being assaulted and molested by their fellow women were circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp.
As a control measure on the use of social media, Medical Council of Malawi issued a warning to its practitioners of their professional duty.
The Council reminded medical practitioners that they are barred from among other things sharing pictures of patients on social media.
As a result of such challenges, there have been calls for authorities to regulate the platform.
But such a measure would degrade the importance of social networks to users' freedom of expression and speech.
On the other hand, abuse of the social media might reach unwanted heights if proper regulation is not imposed.
Recently, former US President Barack Obama called for responsible use of the platform.
