Analysis: Facebook Likes Don’t Translate to Votes
By now, Opposition Parties – SODELPA and National Federation Party need to realise Facebook likes do not translate to votes.
Fijians would have noted a drastic increase in every second person posting up their own polls on Facebook. What they don’t realise is that 10 fake accounts choosing their candidates online does not mean that one real person gets to vote 10 times during the general election.
These parties should have learnt their lessons in 2014. But, they did not. They became far too complacent with their online poll results and the loud voices on Facebook.
As NFP vice-president Faizal Koya said: “It is the silent majority who will speak on 14 November and the silent majority went and chose 688.” Online popularity and online hate is never a true indication of ground reality. On that note, the level of hate on social media makes one realise the importance of having an Online Safety Bill.
People cannot be allowed to hide behind fake accounts and bully others. They need to be held accountable. They need to be taken to task and it needs to be done with priority.
The level of hate on social media is a cause for worry. More so, when people hide behind fake accounts to do so. This needs to be dealt with, urgently.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj
