Latest articles on Social Media

Editorial: Campaigns in the time of Twitter

Opinion Editorial - 15 Jan 2021

Just as a “nobody” can spew falsehoods and propaganda on social media, so too can a political leader — only with more dire consequences.

Ivermectin is not a miracle drug

Coronavirus Jan Bornman - 11 Jan 2021

The health regulatory authority has not approved the antiparasitic drug to treat Covid-19, despite calls on the government to approve its use, as there is no data to support its effectiveness

Twitter, Facebook freeze Trump’s accounts after Congress assault

World Al Jazeera - 7 Jan 2021

Facebook also said it would search for and remove content which praised the storming of the Capitol or encouraged the violence

Social media a powerful tool in education

Education Nape Senong - 10 Dec 2020

The Phepha uFunde case study shows how Twitter and Facebook can mobilise change

A glimpse into the future of government propaganda

Africa Samuel Gebre & Claire Wilmot - 8 Dec 2020

The Ethiopian government has created its own ‘fact-checking’ unit — and it is not the only government to do so.

You can get fired for bad tweets even when you’re not at work

Opinion Lukhanyiso Hogana - 8 Nov 2020

The law has extended the disciplinary arm of employers — posts made on personal social media accounts may constitute a sufficient enough reason for dismissal

NSFW: The tricky business of OnlyFans

Business Sarah Smit - 31 Oct 2020

In an increasingly digital world, OnlyFans has given online creators a new way to make money on their own terms

Fake trafficking news targets migrants

National Jan Bornman - 20 Oct 2020

Exaggerated reports on social media of human trafficking syndicates snatching people in broad daylight legitimate xenophobia while deflecting from the real problems in society

‘We don’t want to be shot to death’

Africa Akin Alabi - 15 Oct 2020

Nigerian protesters have taken to the streets to protest the police’s brutal special anti-robbery unit, which they say profiles tech-savvy youths

‘He ain’t heavy, he’s a policeman and he’s paying . . .’

Africa Andrew Arinaitwe - 20 Sep 2020

The story behind Ugandan photojournalist Nicholas Bamulanzeki’s iconic picture of the policeman in the floods

Campaigning together, but on their own

Africa Nic Cheeseman & Sishuwa Sishuwa - 11 Sep 2020

Social media is driving a new – largely anonymous – form of protest in Zimbabwe and Zambia

Facebook threatens ban on Australians sharing news in battle over media law

World Agence France Presse - 1 Sep 2020

Australians would be stopped from posting local and international articles on Facebook and Instagram, the company said, claiming the move was "not our first choice" but the "only way to protect against an outcome that defies logic".

Protecting South Africa in the digital information and entertainment age

Opinion Lynette Kamineth, Laurie Less & Pandelis Gregoriou - 26 Aug 2020

The Films and Publications Amendment Act aims to protect citizens, but new technology requires that the regulations and guidelines are updated

Two huge Beirut explosions kill 78, injure thousands

World Agence France Presse - 5 Aug 2020

The second blast sent an enormous orange fireball into the sky, immediately followed by a tornado-like shockwave that flattened the port and shattered windows across the city

Unfollow the leader: The Twitter campaign against Zimbabwe’s president

Africa Kudzai Mashininga - 8 Jul 2020

Campaigners urge Zimbabweans to unfollow the president on Twitter

vital information

The Mail & Guardian’s essential coverage of the ongoing coronavirus crisis is free to read for everyone.

If you would like to support us, please consider taking out a subscription.

Press Releases

Special Reports

Latest articles on Social Media

Editorial: Campaigns in the time of Twitter

Ivermectin is not a miracle drug

Twitter, Facebook freeze Trump’s accounts after Congress assault

Social media a powerful tool in education

A glimpse into the future of government propaganda

You can get fired for bad tweets even when you’re not at work

NSFW: The tricky business of OnlyFans

Fake trafficking news targets migrants

‘We don’t want to be shot to death’

‘He ain’t heavy, he’s a policeman and he’s paying . . .’

Campaigning together, but on their own

Facebook threatens ban on Australians sharing news in battle over media law

Protecting South Africa in the digital information and entertainment age

Two huge Beirut explosions kill 78, injure thousands

Unfollow the leader: The Twitter campaign against Zimbabwe’s president

vital information

Latest

Stern warning against Covid greets Mthembu’s death

Lala ngoxolo Mvelase Jackson Mthembu

Secret meetings with Zuma could sink Mkhwebane

Press Releases

ACFTA should help cross-border traders

Changing corporate purpose is set to transform M&A decision-making in South Africa

Senior Programme Officer – Policy sought

Make Every Day Epic with Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+

Towards a People’s Vaccine Campaign: A call to action

Welcome to the everyday epic: Watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked here

Head of Finance and Operations, Grow Great campaign

Entry into force of economic partnership agreement between SACU member states and Mozambique, and the UK and Northern Ireland