The Anglican Bishop of the Southern Highlands Diocese, Jacob William Kaemela, has urged Tanzanians to use social media responsibly, warning that misuse of digital platforms could undermine peace and unity in the country.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during a meeting of religious leaders convened to discuss the importance of maintaining peace ahead of the 2025 General Election, Bishop Kaemela emphasized the need for users to verify information before posting or sharing it online.
“Everyone has a choicenyou can decide to use social media positively to promote good values, or misuse it for harmful purposes. But remember, when you use these platforms to spread hatred or commit online crimes, you are breaking the law like any other offender,” he said.
He noted that while social media has played a crucial role in information sharing and spreading the gospel, its abuse could easily lead to the spread of misinformation, defamation, and unrest.
“Social media has been a powerful tool for communication and evangelism, but technology does not exempt anyone from accountability. Using it to disrupt peace or violate laws is unacceptable,” Bishop Kaemela stressed.
He appealed to Tanzanians particularly young people to embrace ethical digital practices, avoid cybercrimes, and use online platforms to promote harmony, tolerance, and national unity.
“As a nation, we must recognize that peace is a collective responsibility. Let’s use technology to build bridges, not barriers,” he said.
The meeting brought together leaders from various faiths who reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for peace and mutual respect as the country prepares for next year’s elections.