The Utilization of Theological Foundations to Address Digital Space, Social Media, and Misinformation in Zimbabwe

This presentation explores the theological foundations for addressing the complex issues of digitalization, social media, and misinformation in Zimbabwe. As the country grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, this paper seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the role of theology in promoting media literacy, critical thinking, and responsible communication. This exploratory study utilized a thorough online search strategy to collect pertinent literature on navigating Zimbabwe’s digital terrain, social media, and misinformation. Leveraging Google Chrome, the study employed targeted keywords, such as “Social media and digitalization in Zimbabwe” and “Misinformation in Zimbabwe,” to identify relevant sources. The search results yielded a corpus of articles and documents published between 2013 and 2024, providing valuable insights into the complex issues surrounding digital media and misinformation in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, using a critical discourse analysis approach, this presentation examines the intersection of faith, technology, and media in Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on the impact of social media on the dissemination of information and the spread of misinformation. The presentation draws on biblical principles and values, as well as insights from Zimbabwean theologians and church leaders. It further provides recommendations for theological education, faith-based content creation, and online community building that contribute to a more informed and discerning public in Zimbabwe. This study provides a unique contribution to the understanding of the complex issues of digitalization, social media, and misinformation in Zimbabwe, and offers practical recommendations for promoting media literacy, critical thinking, and responsible communication.