Social media has become a powerful mirror of Guyanese society. Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram are now the main spaces where people express opinions about friends, family, daily life, and increasingly, politics. These platforms shape public perception, influence emotions, and often determine which voices are amplified.
Among them, Facebook occupies a unique position in Guyana’s political landscape. It is the most widely used platform among politicians and political pundits, who rely on it to issue statements, criticise opponents, and mobilise supporters. In many cases, political debates that should take place in Parliament or public forums instead play out on Facebook timelines, often without facts, context, or accountability.
TikTok, on the other hand, is primarily driven by short-form video content and is extremely popular among young people aged 12 to 18. It is important to note that young Guyanese are obsessed with social media. Many children and teenagers in Guyana use it to gain attention, impress friends at school or at home, and build online popularity. While creativity and expression can be positive, they also have a darker side. Across the world, young people have suffered severe emotional harm from online mocking, bullying, and social exclusion, with some tragic cases leading to suicide. This makes it vital for Guyana to ensure that social media does not become a weapon against its own youth in the race for likes, views, and followers.
At the same time, it is essential to recognise the positive role social media can play. Many Guyanese use these platforms to discuss development, infrastructure, education, animal rights, social justice, and community welfare. Social media has the potential to educate, unite people across regions and ethnic lines, and raise awareness of the fundamental issues that matter to the country’s future.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of online activity appears driven by negativity rather than nation-building. Some individuals use social media primarily to attack the government or political figures to appear important to their followers. Politicians often use these platforms to criticise each other relentlessly, offering little in the way of constructive ideas or solutions. In many cases, there is no visible contribution to the country’s welfare or progress—only noise, accusations, and personal attacks.
A worrying trend is the spread of gossip and unverified claims, often sourced from anonymous civil servants or unnamed insiders and then broadcast as facts. These rumours are used to target ministers, politicians, and private individuals, damaging reputations without accountability. Such behaviour weakens public trust and creates a constant atmosphere of hostility.
Even more dangerous is when social media fuels ignorance and communal hatred. In one disturbing example, following the death of a child at a hotel, online accusations blamed followers of the Hindu religion. Symbols and goddesses such as Maha Lakshmi and references to Mother Saraswati became entangled in hateful narratives. This reflects not only illiteracy but also a profound misunderstanding of culture, religion, and basic human decency. Using tragedy to attack an entire Hindu community is irresponsible and harmful to Guyana’s social fabric.
The drowning of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge in Guyana in April 2025 led to accusations that she was the victim of a Hindu religious ritual or human sacrifice. These claims, circulated mainly by the family and in specific media reports, were officially rejected by multiple autopsies and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. Now the entire nation knows that it was fake news to blame Hinduism for her drowning in a swimming pool. Social media and opposition newspapers were responsible for desecrating Hinduism, which is regarded by the civilised world as the mother of all religions.
The African Guyanese idiot who started these disgraceful lies was mentally unbalanced and later regretted his obnoxious comments. His 15 minutes of fame are over, and he is now in oblivion, with no one even knowing his real name.
Recently, Azruddin Mohamed has been using his Facebook platform to accuse everyone under the sun, even though everyone worldwide knows that Azruddin Mohamed is a money launderer, gold smuggler and invoice manipulator, and that he will soon be extradited to the USA to face charges there. There is a saying that Azruddin Mohamed should put his own house in order before telling others what to do. Unfortunately, Azruddin Mohamed, as his uncles in New York indicated, has no formal education. What a shame!
The real issue is not social media itself but how it is used in Guyana. These platforms are tools. They can either educate or destroy, unite or divide, empower or mislead. When used without responsibility, they become instruments of cruelty, misinformation, and personal ambition. When used wisely, they can inspire dialogue, promote development, and protect democratic values.
Guyana stands at a point where digital voices are louder than ever. Understanding the value and responsibility of social media is essential. These platforms should serve the people and the nation—not egos, hatred, or political games. The choice lies with users, leaders, and influencers as to whether social media will help build Guyana or slowly tear it apart.
Nevertheless, Guyanese voters gave the PPP a landslide victory in the 2025 general election. The PPP has a mandate to govern, and all vile social media comments directed at the government must be ignored because the people of Guyana want their elected government to improve their standard of living and make Guyana an economic force in the region.