UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By: Millicent L. Dahamani
Curious Mind, an engaging educational program for children, airs every Saturday on GBC URA Radio. In a discussion segment, they explored the impact of social media on the youth in society. The guest speaker was Mr. Gideon Kwame Adu, an Engineer at GBC URA Radio Bolga, a technologist, and an IT expert.
In today’s digital era, technology and social media have revolutionized how young people interact, learn, and engage with the world. While these advancements offer numerous benefits, they also present challenges that must be carefully managed.
Technology, including social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok, provides young people with opportunities for connection, self-expression, and advocacy. Digital tools and apps have proven instrumental in supporting youth mental health, offering resources for emotional well-being, and creating safe online communities formarginalizedvoices.
Social media has also become a powerful tool for social justice, enabling young people to advocate for important causes and raise awareness on global issues. Exposure to diverse perspectives fosters empathy and social consciousness, empowering youth to drive positive change.
However, the digital world also has its downsides. The unrealistic beauty standards and materialistic ideals portrayed on social media contribute to self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression among young people. Algorithm-driven content can create echo chambers, reinforcing existing beliefs and sometimes exposing users to radicalized content.
Mr. Gideon Kwame Adu, guest of the program emphasized the importance of responsible technology use. He stated:
“Parents should set healthy boundaries for the use of technology in the lives of their wards by purposefully choosing the age their wards can start using technology and social media, educating them about the responsible use of it, and also monitoring the child’s use of both technology and social media. This would go a very long way in reducing the negative impact that technology and social media can have on them, such as cyberbullying, eye problems due to too much screen time, low self-worth, depression, and fake lives.”
He further advised:
“Being content with what one has is very important, as it will prevent you from having unrealistic expectations about appearance and life achievements, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy when comparing oneself to idealized portrayals seen online.”
To address these challenges, young people, educators, and parents must work together to set healthy boundaries. Managing screen time, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging offline activities are crucial steps in creating a balanced digital life. Digital literacy is particularly important in helping youth critically evaluate online content and avoid misinformation.
While social media and technology offer incredible opportunities for growth, advocacy, and connection, maintaining a balance between the digital and real world is key to ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life for the younger generation. By adopting responsible technology habits, youth can harness its benefits while minimizing its negative effects.
