Degrading Ghana’s Moral And Cultural Values On The Internet: Who Is To Blame?

In today’s information age, the internet is undoubtedly the most dynamic tool for information dissemination. It has, indeed, improved the quality of life globally. With its ability to facilitate instant distribution and access of information, the internet has created significant impact on the lives of nations, societies, and individuals. Through its interactive medium such as email, chat rooms, comment forms, discussion groups or forums, we are able to interact with families and friends regardless of their geographical locations, transact business online, engage in education, and enrich our knowledge of world events.

In sustaining the noble objective of the internet as a dynamic publishing medium, many websites provide for their users various forms of interactive elements to facilitate a two-way communication and information sharing on topics of common interest. The most common form of interactive element found on many websites is a “Comment Form” which is provided for user’s feedback or suggestions on a given topic.

Ghanaweb (not owned by Ghana Government) deserves special commendation for the provision of this innovative tool on their website. The website has played significant role in information dissemination by providing unique opportunity for all Ghanaians, irrespective of geographical locations, to offer scholarly and constructive criticisms and suggestions on national issues posted on the site.

Ironically, some Ghanaians have turned this important innovative tool into a verbal arena where they engage in inelegant and anti-social remarks to the detriment of the image of Ghana. Decency and respect have been thrown to the dogs, and statements, which ordinarily would not be mentioned even among peers, are communicated on the website without a speck of shame. Many contributors take delight in running down our leaders and dignitaries with abusive and offensive language. Often times, comments are built around tribal and political sentiments even on topics which do not have any of such connotations. It is apparent most of the contributors lack basic training in using the internet and appear ignorant of the fact that anything posted to it is for global audience unless otherwise restricted.

It is sad to say that the purpose for which Ghanaweb provided the “Comment Form” has been defeated. Topics posted on the website no more receive scholarly discussions and suggestions but a blatant display of vulgarity and rudeness which undermines the moral and cultural values of Ghanaians. With the increased number of unruly behavior and disruptive communications gaining grounds on the website each day, to the detriment of the image of Ghana, the question that must be asked is, “Who is to be blamed for this anti-social behavior?” The answer to this question is two-fold:

First, users of the website stand guilty for misuse and abuse of the good intentions of Ghanaweb. It is to be noted that the liberty of free speech do not in any way confer privileges on any individual to post to the internet comments or articles likely to cause divisive tendencies and unnecessary worry among Ghanaians.

Second, Ghanaweb could equally be held responsible for overlooking these widespread anti-social behaviors at their website. While I do not advocate for content editing on the web, there are several options opened to Ghanaweb to curtail user’s unrestrained behaviors and ensure purity and sanctity of user inputs to their website. A “Disclaimer” which spells out the terms and conditions of use of their “Comment Form” can be posted to the website. This will enable them in reviewing all user inputs before they are incorporated in a database and repudiate outright all forms of posts that do not conform to their terms of use.

Ghana is known internationally for her rich moral and cultural values. Respect for human life, for the elderly, and reverence for dialogue as a means of settling differences are some of the hallmark of an average Ghanaian in the face of international community. It is therefore the responsibility of every Ghanaian, irrespective of geographical location, status or rank, to display a high sense of civility in our discourse on issues of national importance in order to uphold the respect and recognition accorded us by the international community. It is our obligation to give respect to our ethical and cultural values, learn to keep them alive, and preserve them for generations yet unborn.