In the era of rapid digital communication, social media has transformed how individuals and organizations interact.
While platforms such as Twitter, WhatsApp(An Exception because of end-end encryption), Facebook, and Instagram can foster connectivity and communication, their use as forums for governmental operations raises severe concerns about the efficacy, security, and integrity of democratic processes.
The trend of government officials operating publicly via social media in Liberia is alarming.
The Boakai-Koung Administration and the Legislature must seriously reconsider this approach, as the consequences of governing through social media can undermine national security, erode public trust, and demonstrate an evident lack of administrative competence.
Running government activities on social media commodifies serious governance issues.
Using platforms intended for casual conversations and personal sharing blurs the line between critical national matters and trivial engagement.
These platforms are often characterized by rapid information flow and misinformation.
For example, during periods of crisis or emergency, the rapid dissemination of information can lead to panic or confusion rather than orderly(Print(Newspaper)and Electronic(Digital)Media)communication.
Social media is not structured for the nuanced discussions or the careful deliberation that serious government matters often require.
As a result, the government’s reliance on these platforms can lead to a misinformed public, making it difficult for citizens to distinguish between authentic government communication and misleading narratives propagated by opponents or malicious actors.
Legislative Business in the Public Eye:
In Liberia, there have been numerous instances of officials engaging with citizens through social media to discuss legislative matters.
While the intention may be to provide greater transparency and responsiveness, this practice can have undesirable consequences.
Legislative decisions require careful consideration, deliberation, and consensus building, characteristics that social media inherently lacks.
Discussions can quickly devolve into shouting matches, where the loudest voices dominate rather than the most informed perspectives.
Moreover, critical national security issues should never be debated in the public sphere, particularly on social media.
Leaks or public discussions of sensitive information can compromise operations and put lives at risk.
For instance, in an environment where misinformation can spread rapidly, a situation such as an ongoing intelligence operation could be jeopardized by a careless tweet.
Erosion of National Security:
As the Boakai-Koung Administration continues to engage with the public primarily through social media, it tacitly signals a lack of awareness regarding the perils of such a strategy.
The government is responsible for protecting the sovereignty and security of the nation.
Thus, employing unverified platforms where information can be manipulated poses severe risks.
The potential for foreign influence in Liberia’s governance, whether through disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing trust in the government or political interference, is a growing concern.
By allowing legislative and governmental discussions to occur in such open forums, the government inadvertently invites unwanted scrutiny and intervention that could threaten national stability.
The case of the Philippines, where President Rodrigo Duterte relied heavily on social media for governance, is a cautionary tale.
Duterte’s reliance on social media allowed for a direct line of communication with the electorate, yet it concurrently became a breeding ground for disinformation and propaganda.
The vibrant online engagement ultimately polluted the democratic process, led to violence, and weakened legislative oversight, raising alarm for many who value democratic norms and practices.
The blatant use of social media as governance tools resulted not in a strengthened democracy but a fractured one where reasoned debate was drowned out by cacophony.
Administrative Ineptitude:
In addition to security threats, operating a government via social media reflects a disturbing trend toward administrative ineptitude.
A government should function on accountability, professionalism, and systematic reasoning principles.
When officials resort to social media to announce policies or conduct significant legislation, it exposes a troubling deficiency in strategic communication methods and leadership.
Reputable governance mandates structured and consistent communication channels for informed public discourse and thoughtful engagement.
Social media’s nature often leads to impulsive remarks and poorly thought-out policies being paraded as official positions.
Moreover, a government that fails to differentiate serious discussions from trivial engagements portrays itself as detached from the gravity of its responsibilities.
An official tweet lacking context can easily mislead citizens or paint an incomplete picture of critical situations.
Accountability may become a mere hashtag rather than a principle the government upholds.
As Liberia strives toward democratic maturity, it requires serious leaders capable of fostering a political culture that values profound dialogue and respects the tenets of governance rather than the unpredictable whims of social media.
A Better Approach: Structured Engagement:
While social media can be a tool for information dissemination, it must not replace structured and traditional forms of government communication.
Instead of relying solely on social platforms, the Boakai-Koung Administration should invest in formal channels that allow for broader and more stable public engagement(Empowering ELBS and Information Ministry).
This could involve organized town hall meetings, legislative hearings open to the public via webcast, and community forums where citizens can express their concerns in a structured environment.
Such avenues promote a thoughtful discourse devoid of the chaos typical of social media discussions.
Furthermore, digital literacy programs can be implemented to educate the public on navigating online discourse and effectively discern reputable sources of information.
By equipping citizens with the skills necessary to understand the complexities of governance, the administration can foster a more informed electorate that engages thoughtfully with its leaders.
I summarize by suggesting that the decision to run government business via social media is an unfortunate and unpatriotic trend that must be halted.
The potential for misinformation compromised national security, and administrative incompetency exacerbates the challenges already faced by the Liberian government.
The Boakai-Koung Administration and the Legislature must reevaluate this approach and prioritize structured, responsible, and democratic communication.
While social media can serve as a tool for transparency, it should complement traditional methods rather than replace them.
Only by adhering to the high governance standards will Liberia navigate its democratic future with integrity and accountability, laying the groundwork for a stable and prosperous nation.
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