The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information in Fiji, Eseta Nadakuitavuki, has underscored the urgent need for enhanced digital media literacy, emphasizing that it is no longer an optional skill in today’s context. Speaking at a Digital Media Literacy Training session in Suva, she warned that misinformation, cyberbullying, and online scams are significant threats to both individuals and national stability.
Nadakuitavuki highlighted the nation’s lack of preparedness for the rapid expansion of social media, which brings a complex array of risks. She pointed out that mobile phones have evolved from mere communication devices to multifaceted tools that serve as newsrooms, marketplaces, classrooms, and public forums.
“It is crucial that digital literacy extend beyond the basic abilities of posting or commenting online,” Nadakuitavuki stated. She called for individuals to become advocates against the misuse of these platforms, noting, “These are not just digital problems. They are human problems. They affect real people with families and communities.”
The Permanent Secretary drew attention to pressing issues such as false narratives, fake accounts, AI-generated content, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, categorizing them as significant human challenges rather than isolated digital issues. Women, young individuals, and vulnerable groups often face the harshest impacts of online abuse, she noted.
Nadakuitavuki stressed the importance of critical thinking, verifying information prior to sharing, and understanding the legal responsibilities that come with digital expression. She asserted that while freedom of expression is vital, it carries a weight of accountability.
To foster a safer digital ecosystem, she called for coordinated national efforts and urged citizens to take ownership of the quality of Fiji’s online interactions. With a collective commitment to improving digital literacy, Fiji can create an environment that not only supports informed discourse but also safeguards the well-being of its citizens.