Other Things We do
Part 1 - Our Internet Culture; What do you do Online?
06.08.2007 at 03.30.44 hrs | 14 Comments | Back to Discussion Page
If you are to mention five (5) top ICT-related businesses booming in Nigerian cities, your list will probably be incomplete without the mention of CyberCafes. Cybers or Internet Cafes, as often referred to by many, have long been the meeting point for several Nigerians (no age barriers), who do not own or cannot afford Internet connections in their own homes. Most people often spend hours, day and night, prowling the World Wide Web, seeking diverse objectives.
From mundane tasks like sending emails, using chat programs, seeking scholarships and overseas travel opportunities, downloading files, searching for the latest in vehicles and phones to building relationships, seeking money-making ventures and many more. Every piece of information on the web has it\'s own group of loyalists. More often, professionals (typically, working-class), who have access to the Internet do many of these things while at work. Have you ever walked up to a cashier at the Bank, while he/she quickly switches between a mail client program or web page and the bank\'s Accounting Software?
Corporate organisations (mostly private sector) often rely on web applications to run their businesses unlike most government-owned establishments who seldom do. In the wake of all these, one begins to wonder if the average Nigerian is optimally utilizing the potentials offered by the Internet. The developed societies have made the Web a source of productivity for their societies (and for us all too e.g. your free Yahoo! Mail box. Gist: Have you tried Yahoo! Mail Beta?). Is it possible for us to make the Internet more relevant in our daily lives?
A rather negative use of the Internet, for which Nigerians have come to be known 419-SCAMS , still exists in our daily use of the Internet. This has led several Cybercafes in major cities (e.g. Lagos, Abuja) to ban the use of personal laptops at their facilities. Given the advanced techniques employed by the several (unlawfully) self-employed credit-card crackers in the country, one wonders if their knowledge and wit cannot be transformed into some more meaningful and productive use, that would bring benefit to the country and it\'s people?
I suggest you spend a few minutes to audit your use of the Internet and see what new directions you and those around you can take to better utilize the plethora of opportunities it presents. I can help you get started with these few questions;
- What three (3) things do you mostly use the Internet for?
- What three (3) other things do you know the Internet is used for especially in advanced societies?
- What three (3) things do you wish you could use the Internet for?
Your comments on this article are welcome!
The following comments were posted.
Abdulsalam Bilkisu on 06.07.2007 at 06.28.29 hrs
i do alot online among them are...... research for information, read news and keep in touch with friends.
Femi Davies on 06.07.2007 at 07.45.46 hrs
Basically what I do online fall into three categories 1. Research 2. Self entertainment 3. Get informed/ Knowledge I also go online to download free softwares/ drivers for various solutions. This is a summary of what I do online.
Abidemi Bello on 06.07.2007 at 14.58.53 hrs
Mostly, I check the blogosphere and comment. This gives a wider understanding on issues which other media will present from their (sometimes biased) point of view. Recently, though, I have been researching my new book.
Elegbede Fauziyah O. on 06.07.2007 at 02.37.49 hrs
The article\'s thought provoking and it makes you as an individual think seriously about what you spend time to do online. Personally, during my spare time, i seize the opportunity to search for forums where series of topics are discussed so as to help broaden my understanding of some issues. I also get vacancies from such site and fwd to people who are in need of jobs!
Amos Adenajo on 11.07.2007 at 01.50.51 hrs
As a matter of fact,all of us cant use the internet in the positive way,coz we have both the good people so also bad people all around.I personally use the internet for learning,researching and downloading of necessary files.
Saheed on 17.07.2007 at 09.37.53 hrs
Continue the great work
Experience Nduagu on 26.07.2007 at 02.46.38 hrs
Muizz Kusimo\'s essay highlights the nature of internet usage and misuse in Nigeria. The same happens in other parts of the world, not just in Nigeria and Africa. It should behoove on any who desire a shift from this negative act to find ways we can re-orient these people to positively use this technology for their personal development and that of the community and the world at large. Some say that a problem identified is half solved.