In the age of social media, where platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) connect people across the globe, Zimbabweans have found a unique virtual battleground to settle their scores. The keyboard has become their weapon of choice, and in this digital arena, they grab, grapple, type insults, and proudly showcase their political pedigree to win a following.
This online space has become the breeding ground for controversial influencers, with figures like Sadhaya feeling right at home. Here, toxicity is not just prevalent; it’s rewarded with popularity. Followers have become martyrs for their chosen leaders, ready to pounce at the slightest provocation. Self-made politicians and impassive individuals strut these cyber streets like kings and queens, vying for the virtual throne. Noone is safe on X streets, even Elon Musk himself is always under attack from free account subscribers.
In this virtual environment, everything related to politics happens here. Political campaigns, voting, results tabulations, and even the announcement of election results are conducted within the confines of this digital space. Elon Musk’s entry into this domain added a new twist, as he began offering incentives to creators. The coveted “blue tick” gang emerged, with the criteria to be eligible for payouts being an X Premium (Blue) subscriber, receiving at least 15 million total impressions on your posts in the last three months, having a minimum of 500 followers, and being at least 18 years old. While this brought a new level of excitement, it also exacerbated the existing toxicity.
Content creators, enticed by the prospect of revenue, flooded the platform. It’s worth noting that toxic posts often garner massive followings, setting the stage for a race to reach that coveted 15 million impressions. X, in essence, became a fierce arena for digital competition, where a good sport could rise to become a person of great influence, positively or otherwise. Money was the undeniable motivator.
Within the diverse X platform, there are spaces dedicated to discussing various subjects. The impact of these spaces, however, varies depending on the topic at hand. Zimbabweans, it seems, are still stuck in election mode. The buzz on the platform revolves around themes like Shabangu and sanctions, reflecting the nation’s ongoing political turmoil.
In an ideal world, Zimbabweans would love each other virtually, transcending the boundaries of this digital battleground. In reality, the toxicity on X has left scars that can be hard to heal. But let’s not forget that the people behind the tweets are not devils; they’re products of their digital environment. Perhaps, if they were to meet in person, they might share a meal and laugh off the Twitter-induced wounds. The virtual world can be a reflection of our collective consciousness, and for Zimbabweans, X mirrors both their struggles and their hopes for a better future.
