Zimbabwe Politicians on Twitter, a case of double edged sword?

Batsirai Chikadaya Avatar
Techzim Twitter, Techzim, Twitter on iOS, social networking, social media, Tweeting

Over the past couple of months, Twitter has become Zimbabwe’s hub of political campaigns, debate, and banter. If you want to know the latest news, Twitter is probably your first port of call.

The flow of information is immersive. Real-time micro-blogging with shocking depths of information in a 140 character block, a Tweet is so powerful it can make or break your career.

Possibly unbeknown to many Zimbabwean political figures, Twitter is trash talk central or in their line of work “political banter” which leaves them just as open to as much as they dish out.

There are no boundaries on Twitter, you have consciously made yourself accessible to the public which leaves you open to their opinions and attacks. The aim should be to never catch feelings, it’s only entertainment right?!

Donald trump once tweeted:

Obama just endorsed Crooked Hillary. He wants four more years of Obama – but nobody else does!

To which Hillary Clinton famously responded: 

Delete your account. 

Things can change in a blink of an eye on Twitter. If you’re not emotionally prepared for the shift you could have your own little public meltdown.Twitter is a classic case of a double edged sword, In as much as you can expose, you too can be exposed. There’s no way of handling it, that’s just how it goes. The Twitter public is borderline ruthless, with the same sword they knight you they can goodnight you so never for a moment consider yourself untouchable.

But don’t get us wrong, we are loving every moment of it! Zimbabwean Twitter should stay just as vibrant and entertaining as it is. Even businesses often feel the wrath of Twimbos, it’s not safe for anyone, and without saying too much that’s an achievement. They should keep in mind they are only as relevant as their last tweet!

Zimbabweans on Twitter have adopted their own culture now, we will probably be seeing the same activity for a while as more public figures enter the social media arena. Twitter deals with both political and social events happening in Zimbabwe with the ability to inform each other of events as they happen. It’s refreshing to witness the Zimbabwean community exhibiting a conscious on social media in attacking different issues as they are.

 

One response

  1. G

    The article could have been more contextual by mentioning local people who have used twitter & made the mistakes u mention i.e Jonathan Moyo – maybe that was too hot for u, but i’m thinking that is exactly what motivated the article

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