EDITORIAL: The Dark Side Of Social Media Continues To Haunt Us

Veresa Sokosoko was branded a thief. He was accused of the most heinous crime - stealing from people who died in the horrific crash at Nabou. Who were his accusers? People hiding behind fake profiles on Facebook.

Emotions were high, people were angry and faceless keyboard warriors added fuel to fire.

From being an ordinary Fijian who gathered the items and passed them on to a police officer, Veresa Sokosoko became public enemy number one.

This is the problem we face as a society- believing everything anyone posts on social networking sites such as Facebook. These people know their version of ‘truth’ will not go far in mainstream media, so they enter a platform where people are not being held accountable.

This has gone on for far too long and by now Fijians should realise that fake news does no one any good.

A young man was vilified for no reason. He was helping people yet those who did not know the truth went on to vilify him,  called him names and swore at him.

And, he is not alone. A look at any of the Forums on Facebook- you will see all sorts of fake news- lies about people, photos of women plastered with all sorts of allegations against them, lies about Government performance, lies and fake news.

Veresa knew he had to get his side of the story out into the  media. He spoke to the Fiji Sun knowing that it will provide him the platform to speak the truth.

The question is, how long will Fijians put up with vilification on Facebook?

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj