Burundi Eco – When social networks ruin lives – 2024-08-17 15:27:40 – 2024-08-17 15:27:41

With the evolution of technology, social networks have become a growing source of information, whether reliable or not. Often shared clumsily, this information points fingers, accuses and judges, depending on the author’s intention. But who cares about the impact this information can have on the present and future of those targeted? Grace, a girl living in the commune of Kayogoro, province of Makamba was recently a victim.

The tragic story of the late Eric Koriciza, a 23-year-old man who lived in Kayogoro commune, Makamba province, sparked strong reactions this week. His death allegedly occurred during sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl from the same locality. On social media, there were many versions of the story and the authors expressed varied opinions. Faced with this information, some Internet users showed compassion, others judged, while some opted to turn the case into a subject of entertainment.

However, unlike the majority of Internet users, one individual spoke out. In a comment posted on Facebook, he wrote: “Let he who is without sin among you cast the first stone at them. No matter how Eric Koriciza died, Burundian tradition demands respect for the deceased,” he says.

While the late Koriciza could no longer endure these social pressures, the situation was different for Grace, his partner. Her photos circulated widely, accompanied by messages that varied according to the intention of each author. Some called her a prostitute, she was called all kinds of evil. Fortunately, some Internet users tried to put the situation into perspective. Following a message posted on Facebook, in the form of a comment, an Internet user asked the question: “If it were your sister, would you have had the same pride in humiliating her like this?”, a question that perhaps some authors had not asked themselves.

This is only sullying Grace’s future.

Sociologist Patrice Sabuguheba points out that sharing the girl’s photos with degrading comments is not without harmful consequences for her future. According to him, the story must be examined by the courts to determine whether this young girl bears any responsibility for Eric Koriciza’s death. In the meantime, it is essential that Internet users stop harming his reputation.

Sabuguheba insists that despite all that has happened, at her young age, no one should take away this girl’s right to love and be loved. “It is crucial not to stigmatize her by spreading this information on social media, as it could tarnish her present and future,” he concludes.