Nigeria: Renowned journalist urges youths to shun slacktivism, cyberbullying
In a bid to address the repercussions of social media misuse, Mr Anthony Awunor, a renowned writer and cultural enthusiast, has cautioned the youth of Ubulu-Uku against falling into the trap of slacktivism and cyberbullying.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Ubulu-Uku General Youth Conference organised by the Ubulu-Uku Youth Development Committee (UYDC), Awunor emphasised the need for tangible actions over superficial online activism.
During his lecture on “Abuse of Social Media in Our Present Day Life,” the award-winning journalist encouraged youths to engage with political leaders both online and offline, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp for activism.
Awunor stressed the importance of verifying and authenticating information before sharing it on social media, cautioning against the dangers of spreading misinformation.
He warned that incorrect posts could have lasting consequences, echoing the need for responsible online behavior.
“Although social media can foster education, social connectivity, information sharing, business engagements and community development, one has to be careful on what he or she pushes out on any platform.
“Wrong posts can send negative signals and it is much more dangerous if the facts are not there. Try as much as possible not to push out fake information because Facebook will still remind you about whatever you must have posted after every one year. I advise that you don’t push out any information that you are not sure of. It is dangerous,” Awunor warned.
Addressing the way forward, Awunor advised social media users to refrain from unnecessary chatting, gossiping, and bullying.
He stressed the potential damage of posting irrelevant messages, urging users to be mindful of the impact on others’ reputations.
Additionally, he recommended acquiring knowledge about social media security features to avoid inappropriate content.
The event, held at Ubulu Primary School in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South LGA of Delta State on December 31, 2023, also featured insights from UYDC President, Mr Maduabunechukwu Egboh.
Addressing participants at the event, Egboh highlighted challenges faced by the administration, particularly negative influences from the political circle.
Despite these challenges, Egboh outlined achievements, including interventions in land disputes, attraction of federal jobs, and community development initiatives.
The youth conference garnered attention from notable figures, including the Executive Chairman of Aniocha South LGA, Pastor Hon Jude Chukwunwike, and the Permanent Secretary of Delta State Civil Service, Sir Byron Unini, who received an award.
Other awardees included Dr Doris Ochei, Sir Peter Onyeisi Nwaefulu, Mr Patrick Ughaja, and Azuh Chike Emmanuel.
Prominent figures such as the Director, Direct Labour Agency, Delta State, Engr. Lawrence Ejiofor, Prof Victor Okonji, Hon Joe Ikenwe, and multiple award-winning journalist Anthony Awunor, along with other distinguished guests, were also present at the event.
