Episode 03: Love, Ghosting, Nudes and Online Safety - A conversation with Dr. Tuwilika Nafuka

Dating today is more digital than ever before. Young people are building connections in DMs, WhatsApp chats, and dating apps, but with these new opportunities come new risks. Ghosting, sexting, leaked nudes, online harassment, and catfishing have become an unavoidable part of modern relationships, shaping the way young Namibians navigate love and intimacy.In this episode, our host Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo is joined by Dr. Tuwilika Nafuka, a medical doctor, digital health innovator, and social justice advocate, to explore what it really means to date in 2025. Dr. Nafuka draws from her extensive work in health and policy, including her role in championing Namibia’s Sex Offenders Register, to shed light on how technology is reshaping relationships and what young people need to know to stay safe.Together, Selma and Dr. Nafuka tackle some of the most pressing issues facing youth today: why ghosting has become so normalized and how it affects mental health; how catfishing and blackmail trap unsuspecting people online; what digital consent truly looks like in the age of sexting and intimate image sharing; and how we can shift the stigma from survivors of leaked nudes toward accountability for perpetrators. They also dive into the realities of youth engaging with global platforms like OnlyFans, discussing the balance between safety, stigma, and choice.This conversation is not only about challenges but also about empowerment. Dr. Nafuka offers practical advice for recognizing red flags, protecting your digital safety, and building healthier online relationships. The episode closes with quick-fire insights every young listener can take with them, including three essential tips for safer online dating.