19 January 2012
The Northern ICT4D Forum took place at the Tamale Regional Library on the topic “Social Networking – advantages and disadvantages”. The forum which is open to the general public was well attended by both young and old.
In his welcome address, the Director of Savana Signatures, Mr. John Stephen Agbenyo expressed his pleasure about the composition of the participants, saying that “The topic is chosen for discussion at the right time” He wished the participants a fruitful discussion.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Ken Kubuga, an ICT lecturer at the Tamale Polytechnic. He mentioned that social networking is an interaction of different individuals with a common interest - a hobby, passion or even business interests. He added that, it is also a process of finding friends and of managing friendships through the internet and that people who wish to meet others on line put up their most compelling and attractive presentations through their profile pages. Mr. Kubuga indicated that there are many websites that promote such social interactions and allow an individual to create a profile and post information about himself/herself. He cited Facebook, Linkedin, twitter, flickr as examples.
Mr. Kubuga described the above social media websites as a virtual meeting places where people can just hang out with friends –discuss, share information, and exchange files and pictures. He explained that on the facebook website for instance, users can upload their pictures for others to see. They can also search and send friendship request to others and as well attach videos to their latest posts. Twitter on the other hand, allow users to tweet events live on the internet for others to follow. What it means is that, people can follow an event like the ICT4D in Tamale while in Accra, Kumasi or even outside the country.
They can even be part of the discussion by simply sending their contribution and views on line. With Linkedin, Mr. Kubuga explained that it allows the user to upload his or her profile for others to see. He was quick to add that, the site was more of a professional website and users can upload their Curriculum vitaes which could assist them to get jobs. Flickr is a site where users can keep an online photo album.
On the importance of these social networking websites, Mr. Kubuga indicated that it allows
• networking with/among peers
• Users to become abreast with current happenings
• Users to follow intelligent discussions – a good way of learning how to approach issues in life
• Businesses to Market their products and services online
• Users an opportunity to access academic courses on line
He cautioned participants to be wary in their use of these websites as they stand a risk of being deceived by other users
• Who have fake identities, pictures, names, hobbies, education and locations.
• Who resort the use of negative language use e.g 2mor, msg, lol, asap, fyeo, fyi, bk, etc.
He added that it also encourages interpersonal relationship that are unrealistic and breeds inappropriate behaviour - hiding behind the PC there is no assurance that the person may actually be who he claims to be online.
Looking forward, Mr. Kubuga urged participants to be aware of the issues of piracy, review friendship request sent them and minimise its usage to avoid addiction.
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