Dear Editor,

Technology occupies an important place in our lives. If you are not digitally connected, you are going to be left behind.

Even seniors are trying to keep pace with the latest technological evolutions, including generative artificial intelligence and chatbots. I recall when my parents were just exposed to WhatsApp. It took them a while to navigate the basic features, but now they are quite proficient and want to be connected as frequently as possible.

Undoubtedly, technology — in the broadest sense — has revolutionised how we communicate, socialise, teach, conduct business, and do work. It brings so much convenience and helps us to stay connected from different locations. Some of us are so attached to technology and social media that if we are disconnected for a prolonged period due to electrical or Internet connection issues, we start to “mad out”.

But are we mindful of how we spend our time on the Internet, particularly on social media sites? This question is pertinent, as our online presence forms an important part of our digital DNA. Our digital footprint can harm us if we are not careful of the things we post.

This consideration is important in the wake of the United States Embassy release that, effective immediately, all individuals applying for F, M, or J non-immigrant visas are required to set their social media accounts to public. According to the embassy, this measure is intended to assist in the vetting process required to verify applicants’ identities and determine their permissibility to the United States, in keeping with its laws.

Many of us would immediately question the right to freedom and privacy, but we have reached the point at which social media is becoming a critical part of foreign policy and security. It is not only about having a passport and about submitting the requisite proof of documents to accompany the visa application process, but it is also whether one’s social media activities will pass the scrutiny test.

Since the US Embassy will be reviewing applicants’ social media activities, an important question to ask is: Should you post or not? Of course, there is freedom of expression, but it is more critical for people to understand that it comes with great responsibility. It means that, more than ever, people desirous of going to the US should take time to understand the country’s foreign policy.

Here are three recommendations for social media users:

1) Protect your digital footprint: Everything you post — photos, opinions, comments, memes — contributes to your online identity. Responsible use means thinking before sharing, avoiding oversharing personal information, and being aware that your content can be seen by future employers, educators, institutions, embassies, and immigration authorities.

2) Verify before you share: Misinformation spreads quickly on social media. Always fact-check news, images, or quotes before reposting or commenting. Responsible users help create a more informed and respectful digital space. It is important to check the source and date of content, especially when it is emotionally charged or sensational. Discernment is critical to exercise in this regard.

3) Respect others and practise digital empathy: Responsible social media use involves treating others online as you would in person. Avoid cyberbullying, hate speech, and insensitive comments. Engage in constructive dialogue and consider how your posts might affect others. If it is not something you could say face to face, maybe you should not post it.

What might be a joke to you could cost you a visa, which could have opened doors of cultural, educational, and employment opportunities, so post wisely.

Many of our children, teens, and young adults have social media accounts. It is imperative that we guide them in being responsible online users. Our education system should find a way to incorporate social media literacy in the curriculum, which is a critical skill for 21st-century learners.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com