Nigeria: Time for an Ethical Revolution On Social Media

30 December 2013
opinion

Social media and the technologies that drive it were intended to be a force for social good that expanded the individual's reach beyond his physical proximity. However, over the years since the emergence of the medium many of its users are beginning to see a negative side of its use amongst young people which must be addressed otherwise it will lead to an erosion of core societal values.

As a youth and young adult, many of those in my age bracket learnt the art of reading people's non-verbal communications or body language by practising whole body listening and it helped us grow from self awareness to awareness of others and from self management to relationship management. But today, many young adults are unable to develop these vital skills because more of their communication are done over social media. Youths have learnt the art of reading the keypads of an iPhone or blackberry device without looking at it and can even Instant Message a friend while driving without looking at the keypad. The non-verbal language they read meanings to are emoticons.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.