INTERVIEW
How familiar are you with digital platforms such as Facebook, Email, Zoom, etc.?
Munni Apa: I am not very familiar with using them. I use IMO, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger, but I only know how to receive calls. I can’t send messages and pictures, or reply to messages.
What do you think of the use of digital platforms for commercial purposes such as online businesses? Would you be interested in this field if given the opportunity?
Munni Apa: I think it is a great idea. It is a very convenient way of earning money, especially in the pandemic. I often want to buy things online, but I do not know how to buy them. I only know how to like pictures but don’t know how to order things online.
I would love to engage in online business. I think for someone like me, for whom it is very difficult to earn a living and secure a day’s meal, something like an online business would be a great solution. I would like to sell some clothes or food items online, but I do not know how to operate an online business. If we were given some training on how to utilise digital platforms for enterprise, then it would be very beneficial for us.
Have you faced any online harassment? If yes, how did you deal with it?
Munni Apa: Yes, I have. I face online harassment daily. People send me explicit and inappropriate pictures, but I don’t know how to block them. I have to ask other people to block these users. Sometimes I don’t feel like going to other people for help because it is embarrassing. I wish I knew how to operate social media properly so I could then block them myself.
How has your overall experience with digital media been?
Munni Apa: Due to my limited digital literacy, it has neither been good or bad. I would like to learn more about using these platforms so that I can have a good experience.
Interviewed by Ariza Hossain
This piece was made in collaboration with Bodol and TransEnd.