Online Reporter
Rodgers Irimayi
Cultural Perspectives
THE misuse of social media has reached alarming levels as people fail to properly utilise new communication technologies.
Cyberbullying, revenge porno and various forms of online Gender Based Violence negatively impact on people’s cultural values and beliefs.
In Zimbabwe, many suffer in silence as they do not know what to do as victims. The country’s cultural context plays a significant
role in shaping attitudes towards social media attacks.
Perpetrators of such crimes find it easy to hide behind the mobile phones and computers, and attack others just by clicking the keyboard buttons.
Through WhatsApp, Tick-Tok, Facebook, YouTube and SMS, they abuse the social media platforms to attack the personalities of other people by circulating nude pictures, videos and offensive messages.
Perpetrators tend to ignore the fact that their actions might negatively impact on their targeted people’s lives.
It should be noted that cyberbullying and revenge porncan have severe consequences on relationships and individuals.
Shameful public displays and seeing the nakedness of your son, father or close female relative such as a sister, mother, aunt or grandmother are extreme. Victims of such attacks may struggle to trust online
interactions. Imagine how one feels after their nude pictures have been posted
on social media platforms and are seen by relatives who include parents,
children, partners and friends. Some high profile figures in society such as
politicians, pastors, traditional leaders, businesspeople and many others may
have their status reduced through cyber-attacks.
The emotional trauma caused by cyberbullying and revenge porn can lead to intimacy issues in personal relationships.
A husband or wife might end up finding it difficult to become intimate because of the psychological negative impact.
Relationships of the victim with family and friends are strained due to the emotional toll of cyberbullying and revenge porn.
Cyberbullying may also affect emotions as it disturbs the mind causing stress, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
Victims may feel ashamed or guilty about the situation or blame themselves even if it might not have been their fault. They may feel like they have lost control over their online presence, identity and reputation.
The consequences of cyberbullying include reputational damage. Revenge porn can destroy a person’s societal standing and lead to social ostracism. Wherever you are, you become insecure and vulnerable. The impact can be long-lasting, affecting, not only relationships, but mental health as well for years to come. Psychologically, a victim’s academic performance can be affected. Cyberbullying can affect the sufferer who may struggle to focus on their studies.
In class, the victim may become restless and fail to grasp concepts being taught by the teacher.
At workplace, the affected may fail to concentrate leading to unsatisfactory performance or accidents. This may also affect the company’s production which ultimately impact on the country’s economy.
You or someone may be experiencing cyberbullying or revenge porn, it is essential to seek help and support in order to reintegrate back into the society. The reasons why victims of cyberbullying suffer in silence include cultural factors such as the respect for elders.
In Zimbabwean culture, elders are highly respected,and their opinions carry significant weight. This can sometimes lead to a reluctance to speak out against cyberbullying, especially if the perpetrator is an older person.
Our culture values community and social harmony. This may lead to a victim’s desire to avoid conflict and maintain social relationships, even if it means tolerating cyberbullying.
The Hunhu/Ubuntu philosophy among Zimbabweans emphasises
interconnectedness and interdependence.
It promotes empathy and kindness which may also be taken to online forgiveness.
This Hunhu/Ubuntu philosophy can make it more challenging to address cyberbullying.
There is need to address cyberbullying to maintain online discipline in Zimbabwe.
Educational campaigns and awareness programmes are long overdue in order to combat cyberbullying and its effects.
Engaging with local communities, schools, colleges and universities and civic organisations can help in raising awareness. Roping in these institutions assists in escalating youths and promoting discipline, a culture of kindness and respect online.
Support systems for victims need to be properly established.
Cyberbullying victims require counselling services
which can also be provided online.
There are online resources that have been put in place for victims and these include helplines.
The first step for a victim to get help is to inform the Zimbabwe Republic Police who can easily be contacted through their hotline or toll free numbers. Zimbabwe is strengthening laws and policies related tocyberbullying which can help hold perpetrators accountable and provide a saferonline environment.
The Data Protection Act of criminalises online violence against women and children. It also includes revenge pornography.
The Act establishes a framework for reporting and addressing online GBV.
The Cyber and Data Protection Act was also enacted with the aim of regulating cybercrime and protecting personal information.
The Domestic Violence Act also has pointers on issues to do with cyberbullying.
The cultural context of Zimbabwe has always been
accommodative, and can effectively develop strategies to address cyberbullying
and promote a safer online environment for all.
Rodgers Irimayi is the
Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Masvingo
Provincial Information Officer. He writes in his personal capacity and can be
contacted on +263778246098 or [email protected]. He can also be followed on
his YouTube channel, Culture Views with Judah Kalispokaz
Bongani Ndlovu