Bedroom Politics, the Social Media Ulcer: An application of the unhu/ubuntu Philosophy in light of the Technological Determinism and Cultural Imperialism Theory.

Abstract

This paper strove to ascertain whether local social media platforms that focus on dating and sex issues are eroding the cultural values and norms of the Shona people and the push factors for such uses. While it is unprecedented that the developing countries have been importing hardware and software from advanced countries, the implications this has on social values and norms is worth an academic enquiry. The empowering, liberative and emancipatory nature of the internet and social media is undoubted when it comes to the enhancement of democratic participation and diversity of views in the "electronic public sphere," it is the uncontrolled content production"s consequences for the humanness and moral value of the Zimbabwean community that is at stake. The study has made use of the Lurking Garanyanya, the Technological Determinism and Cultural Imperialism Theories in its application of the unhu/ubuntu philosophy in an academic endeavour to determine the user-friendly nature of the social media with regards the Shona conception of "bedroom politics." The enquiry has established that issues dealing with sexuality have for time immemorial been a private matter and public reference to sexuality is anathema to the Zimbabwean audience.

The teaching Of Unhu/Ubuntu through Shona novels in Zimbabwean secondary schools: A case for Masvingo urban district

“…Another worry was on the domination of modern technology, especially media in pupils" lives which confirms Nziramasanga"s (1999) observation that media is the most influential tool in the youngsters" lives. The same sentiments were raised by Chiyadzwa and Dube (2014) in a related study Unhu is taught only as a topic in literature that needs to be known by pupils so that they can answer the question if it appears in the exam paper. Unhu is imparted just by teaching lessons drawn from the stories and characters.…”

The Other Side of Social Networks: An Ubuntu Approach

“…The social media has been portrayed as a platform for moral decadency for its users. Chiyadzwa and Dube argue that the technology is posing some threats to the morals of the society as some individuals are causing mayhem without shame on social media [1]. Scholars argue that technology has brought threats to the morals of the African society in different ways like promoting indecent dressing, drug abuse and pornography, assault, robbery and secret cult activities which suggest a careless life style which is in contrary to the values and norms of the African people [2][3].…”