Research on the Phenomenon of Moral Defects in Social Media and Its Influence on People

Abstract

The unethical use of the social media in Sierra Leone is a concern amongst the citizens of the country and the international community. This publication looks at the unethical use of the social media and its effect on the people of Sierra Leone. The objective of the study is to investigate the possible causes and effects of unethical use of the social media on the people of Sierra Leone. Mode of data collection was through designed questionnaire and in some quarter, mobile phone interviews. Causes and effects were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Research work shows that the media is unethically used in the following ways in Sierra Leone: spread of hate messages, spread of false news, spread of immorality, gateway for robbery and gateway for examinations malpractices. These unethical uses are seen to be caused by: Political ill intentions, high rate of illiteracy in the country, Poor media monitoring and poor media policy enforcement. The effects of these unethical uses of the social media were seen to be alarming. The spread of false news and examinations malpractices in schools and colleges were very strong. This strength undermines the wellbeing of peaceful citizens and the educational goals of the country. Spread of hate messages, immorality and robbery had strong effects that go against our moral values in the country. Recommendations were submitted to help enhance sanity in media practice in the country.