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Showing posts with the label online safety

The Billion-Dollar Lie: Inside the Global Disinformation Market

By Rebecca Nanono | Shetechtive Uganda A Marketplace Built on Misinformation Disinformation is no longer just a political weapon or an online nuisance. It is a booming global industry. From troll farms to clickbait factories, from deepfake software to data-driven propaganda, disinformation has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar market that shapes elections, polarizes societies, and undermines public trust in truth itself. A 2023 study by University of Baltimore estimated that the global economic cost of disinformation exceeds $78 billion per year , including losses from stock manipulation, reputational damage, and public health misinformation. Behind this staggering figure lies a thriving ecosystem of digital mercenaries, content farms, and algorithmic amplifiers profiting from deceit. The Business Model of Deceit The disinformation market thrives because attention equals profit . Every click, view, and share, no matter how false, translates into advertising revenue. Tech ...

Living in the Age of Digital Anxiety: How Do We Cope?

In today’s world, the internet is at the center of almost everything we do. From connecting with friends and family, to learning new skills, running businesses, or advocating for change. Digital technology has become a powerful part of our daily lives, but along with these benefits, comes a new challenge: digital anxiety . Digital anxiety is the stress, worry, or discomfort that people experience when engaging with digital tools and online spaces. It can show up in many ways such as feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications, comparing yourself to others on social media, worrying about online safety, or even fearing that you are “not tech-savvy enough” to keep up. Why Are So Many People Feeling Digitally Anxious? Information Overload – We are constantly bombarded with news, updates, and opinions online. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – Social media often makes us feel like everyone else is doing better, achieving more, or ...

Empowering Communities Through Media and Information Literacy: Why It Matters

In today’s digital age, our lives are increasingly shaped by the information we consume online. From social media updates to news articles and everything in between, the internet is a vast reservoir of knowledge. However, navigating this sea of information requires more than just access—it demands critical thinking, digital literacy, and a deep understanding of how to engage with content responsibly. This is where Media and Information Literacy (MIL) comes into play. At Shetechtive Uganda, we believe that developing Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies is crucial for all individuals. MIL empowers people to critically evaluate the information they encounter, to understand the ethics of sharing and creating content, and to safely navigate the online environment. But why is this important, and how does it impact our daily lives? The Importance of Media and Information Literacy Critical Engagement with Information In an era of misinformation and fake ne...

Celebrating World Day for Women in Cyber: Empowering the Future of Digital Security

Today marks the World Day for Women in Cyber, a global celebration dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in cybersecurity and advocating for greater gender diversity in this critical field. As the digital landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the most crucial areas of focus, protecting everything from personal data to national security. Yet, despite the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, women remain significantly underrepresented in this sector. On this special day, we not only celebrate the achievements of women in cybersecurity but also reflect on the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that encourages more women to pursue careers in this vital industry. The Role of Women in Cybersecurity Women in cybersecurity are making a tremendous impact by leading efforts to protect organizations, governments, and individuals from cyber threats. From ethical hacking to developing robust securit...