More Batswana are turning to social media – for better and for worse

Social-media use in Botswana has doubled over the past five years despite considerable misgivings about some of its possible negative effects, the latest Afrobarometer survey shows. More than a third of Batswana now use Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, or other social media every day as sources of news.

Most citizens praise social media as helping make them better informed, more effective citizens, but most also believe it makes people more susceptible to false news and intolerance.

Overall, Batswana are divided as to whether social media is good or bad for society. But a majority favour protecting unrestricted access.