Social media is a powerful tool, but its misuse can have serious consequences, especially for children, warns Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia. His comments follow rising concerns about the spread of fake news on social media, which can lead to significant misinformation and misunderstanding in the community.
Minister Bia pointed out that many adults fail to recognize that children frequently use social media, highlighting the potential negative impact of false information on their well-being. “The repercussions of sharing fake news can be detrimental to our children,” he stated. He emphasized that once information is shared online, it triggers reactions that may not always be positive.
To combat this issue, he advised social media users to conduct thorough research before sharing any information. Verifying the credibility of sources should be a priority, as it ensures that only accurate and fact-based content is disseminated. “There are numerous software tools and resources available to determine the reliability of the information shared,” Bia noted, urging users to take responsibility for the content they share.
The Assistant Minister’s remarks echo concerns raised previously by various authorities, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu. They have both stressed the importance of careful information sharing, particularly as Fiji prepares for the upcoming election cycle in 2026. Rabuka underscored that fake news undermines public trust and integrity, while Driu reiterated the need for the public to distinguish between verified information and misinformation.
As Fiji faces the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age, there is hope that through collaborative effort and responsible social media practices, a more informed society can be nurtured. Public awareness initiatives and educational programs about online safety can lead to a more respectful and safer digital environment for everyone, particularly the vulnerable populations like children.
Continuing efforts to promote digital literacy and effective communication will be crucial as the nation navigates the complexities of information integrity in an increasingly online world.
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