Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are continuously attracting a large number of people who wish to be part of the online world.
Politicians, businessmen, students and many eminent personalities are very active on social media.
In this context, the US embassy organised a social media workshop on Wednesday at Le Labourdonnais hotel, Port Louis.
Present on the occasion, the minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, Dr Rajesh Jeetah underlined that Mauritius has evolved over time and it is not different from other countries.
“Facebook has around 5 million users and some 190,000 Mauritians are registered on social networking sites. The workshop is a good platform for academics, students and journalists to talk about this topic and discuss its challenges,” said Jeetah.
Being a Facebook user, the minister said that he had around 15,000 friends, adding that he goes online to keep in touch with them whenever possible.
“It is an opportunity for me to know what people think of our work and it can help to correct mistakes. It provides us with feedback and support,” he explained.
However, he highlighted that all new structures involve some risks and people should be aware of the dangers associated with its use.
“One person even used my name and created a fake profile but I can understand such behaviour. As politicians, we come across such situations,” he said.
Also vice president of the youth wing of the Labour Party, Jeetah added that their website is very dynamic and even the Prime Minister has his fan page.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Troy Damian Fitrell stressed on the importance of developing a good reputation. “Part of the effectiveness and use of social media is the need to develop a reputation,” he stated.