Think once. Think twice, and think again before you post

How Not to Mess Up Online by Emma Sadleir and Rorke Wilson is the book every teen, parent, influencer - indeed, every user needs in a world where the internet doesn't come with training wheels.

- LINDSAY SLOGROVE

From AI and deepfakes to sextortion and screenshot scandals, today's digital dangers move fast and the law's still catching up. That's where this book comes in. Sadleir is a leading digital law expert. Wilson is a Gen Z with receipts.

Together, they break down the legal, emotional and reputational risks of being online-without preaching or sugarcoating it. Packed with real South African case studies, chaotic cautionary tales and clear legal advice, this guide covers everything from sexting and cyberbullying to scams, plagiarism, privacy and Al-generated nonsense. It's not about scaring you off the internet - it's about showing you how to use it without it using you.

Sadleir is Africa's leading expert on social media law and founder of the Digital Law Company. A frequent commentator in the media, she is the first person people call when something goes wrong online. Now that she has her own children, she has a personal interest in making the digital world safer.

Wilson, an associate at the DLC with an LLB (Hons) from Edinburgh University, brings Gen-Z insight and a passion for helping young people stay safer and smarter online than their own generation ever was.

Sadleir rides horses, loves cricket and has a penchant for a party. Wilson also likes riding, hates cricket and doesn't know what penchant means but also loves parties.

The facts