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Theophilus said young people should be aware that even if they forget about the posts, they will remain on the internet for a long time.
Information and Communications Technology Minister Emma Theofelus has urged young people to use social media with caution to avoid missing out on opportunities or jobs because of posts from years ago.
She spoke at a cross-border International Youth Day commemoration event at Helao Nafidi in Ohangwena region on Monday afternoon. The event was organized by the Namibian Ministry of Youth with technical and financial support from UNFPA Namibia through its Safeguarding Young People programme.
Theophilus said young people should be aware that even if they forget about the posts, they will remain on the internet for a long time.
Lost Opportunities
She explained that whether the post is good or bad, it will remain online.
“The danger comes when you post something bad and you’re looking for a job. You’ve criticised (someone), whether it’s justified or not. Now it turns out that this person could be a potential employer of yours. “They’ll quickly scan your Facebook feed, your tweets and your Instagram and see something offensive that you’ve posted that could cost you an opportunity. We have to use social media responsibly or we’ll lose opportunities,” she said to applause from the audience.
Theophilus said the government remained committed to protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms, but added that those rights should not be abused.
Young Country
Erica Goldson, UNFPA representative in Namibia, said preliminary census statistics showed that 71% of Namibia’s population is under the age of 35, which provides opportunities for investment in the young country.
She said the digital revolution offers young people unprecedented opportunities to become innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders on the global stage. By harnessing digital technologies, they can create more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, ensure access to quality education and health care, and empower young people to actively participate in shaping their country’s future, Goldson said.
“Young people have the power to make our digital and physical worlds more just, equal, peaceful and secure: this future is at their fingertips. As content creators, digital activists and global citizens, young people are using technology to expose injustice, debunk misinformation and fight oppression.”
Goldson also added that to ensure young people’s right to live safely online, societies must provide them with the necessary skills, services and information to enable them to benefit from the best digital technologies while reducing the risk of harm.
“We must also work to bridge the digital divide and ensure that rural youth, young women and marginalized groups are not left behind in this digital transformation. Inclusion must be at the core of our efforts if we are to fully realize the potential of the demographic dividend.”
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