Think Before You Click
...Ethical Use of Social Media Campaign Launch
The national launch of the Ethical Use of Social Media Campaign took place on campus earlier this week. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) in partnership with the Namibian Police and Club de Madrid.
Hon Emma Theofelus, Minister of ICT, described the initiative as “not just an announcement, but a call to action for all users to contribute to a healthier, more informed digital community.” She urged attendees to “think before they post, verify before they share, and engage without causing harm.”
Echoing these sentiments, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, warned of the legal and personal consequences of irresponsible posting. “A single reckless post can destroy lives, careers, and reputations and may land the offender in prison,” he said. The event was attended by several students, many of whom are active and frequent users of social media.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Erold Naomab, welcomed the Ministry’s decision to anchor the campaign at the University, describing it as “a shared commitment to fostering responsible digital citizenship and promoting integrity in our increasingly connected world.”
He further highlighted the dangers of misinformation, cautioning against over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence-generated content without proper fact-checking and validation. Rather than banning AI outright, Prof Naomab stressed the importance of embedding its responsible and ethical use into NUST’s academic policies. “We must prioritise critical thinking, information literacy, and ethical engagement in both our classrooms and our digital interactions,” he said.
The campaign will focus on public education, outreach, and fostering a digital culture grounded in unity, respect, and development. It seeks to address key challenges such as cyberbullying, the spread of false information, and the erosion of trust in online spaces.
