Social media can build or break bridges, ERC Chair warns

A single social media post can either bring people together or create division, and as such, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is urging Guyanese to be mindful of how they communicate in this digital age.

ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack highlighted the growing influence of social media during the Commission’s National Symposium, “Guyana at 60: Unity, Diversity and the Path Forward,” held on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

He said the way people interact today has changed significantly.

According to Hack, Guyana is undergoing rapid transformation, with changes in the economy, demographics and technology reshaping society.

“Guyana is changing at a breathtaking pace. We are experiencing unprecedented economic transformation, shifting demographics and a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” he said.

He noted that these changes have affected how Guyanese communicate and perceive one another.

“The way we communicate, the way we perceive one another and the way our youth experience growth are fundamentally different from what they were a decade ago,” Hack said.

The ERC Chairman said social media has added a new dimension to how people engage, making the choice to treat others with respect even more important.

“In an age when a single social media post can either build or burn a bridge, the simple but demanding choice to extend to others the same dignity we claim for ourselves is our paramount importance,” he said.

Hack said as Guyana continues to evolve, the country must rely on continuous dialogue, data-driven insight and a shared commitment to a common goal.

He reminded citizens that promoting harmony, eliminating discrimination and encouraging tolerance require the involvement of everyone.

As Guyana marks 60 years of Independence, Hack urged citizens to use challenges as opportunities to strengthen relationships.

“We must take the challenges as lessons learned and build stronger relations, characterised by love, respect and tolerance,” he said.

He added that focusing on what unites Guyanese, rather than what divides them, can help break down barriers of racism, prejudice and intolerance.