Freedom Of Speech On Social Media

Question 1

What is the definition of social media

Answer 1

Social media is the collective of online communications channels dedicated to user generated content, interaction, content sharing and collaboration,

Question 2

What are the characteristics of electronic communication

Answer 2

1. Once posted online, it is very difficult to remove or stop it from spreading as cyber communication is inherently worldwide and spreads quickly.
2. Although not all communication amounts to unlawful communication, it may have a negative, hurtful, or detrimental impact on the person who posted it as well as the ones reading it.
3. Comments made in passing would elict much more attention now than in the pre- internet age, with the Internet being cross-border, more people have access, and may interpret it out of context
4. Communication by means of social media is fast, cheap, and efficient. It can reach a lot of people very quickly.

Question 3

What are some of the ways that social media has been exploited?

Answer 3

< People post on social media harmful content like police brutality, xenophobia, sexual assaults, murder, suicide. Refer to The Social Media Charter.

Question 4

What is Defamation

Answer 4

Defamation is a delict.
It is defined as an intentional publication concerning another person that infringes their status, good name and reputation.