Social media in Fiji is toxic and harmful - Jon Apted

Social media in Fiji is toxic and malignant due to the widespread public shaming culture on a mix of traditional norms and new technology.

This has been highlighted by constitutional lawyer, Jon Apted during the Asia Foundation Cultural, Heritage and Religious Freedom and Tolerance Symposium where he says that facebook is inundated with bullying, belittling, shaming and personal attacks.

Apted says such platforms often target individuals over private matters.

He also highlighted that internet access is relatively cheap in Fiji compared to other countries in the Pacific region.

The lawyer says Fiji’s small community culture, which historically regulates behaviour, is now influencing the use of social media platforms, steering them away from their intended purpose.

Apted also highlighted his observations about the darker side of social media reflect a growing concern across the Pacific region.

Apted says the Online Safety Commission needs to hold people accountable for any wrongdoing on social media, and people need to speak respectfully.

He also says the Chat Fiji administrator needs to be taken to task as the page was allowing cyber bullying for cases where people are attacked personally.

Apted also questions why the Online Safety Commission still has an Acting Commissioner, and why the position has not been filled to date.