Social media platforms are increasingly used to influence public opinion and undermine democracy in Africa. This shift represents a new type of threat to governance on the continent.
The platforms are compared to the trickster Ananse, who used webs to control stories and beliefs. Today, these digital spaces operate on a global scale, shaping minds across Africa.
This analysis suggests that coups no longer require soldiers to succeed. Instead, the manipulation of information online serves as the new weapon.
The author's earlier work highlighted Ananse's methods of acquiring stories to gain control. This concept is now applied to the modern digital landscape.
The current use of social media is seen as an assault on African democracy. It bypasses traditional power structures and targets public perception directly.
This new approach to challenging governance is a significant development. It requires a deeper understanding of digital influence and its impact.
The focus is on how information is spread and controlled online. This control allows for the manipulation of democratic processes.
The piece warns of a new era where digital tools are central to political influence and control.