Let us start by acknowledging the undeniable: the Internet has brought about a technological revolution that is, perhaps for the first time in history, that is benefitting both the rich and the poor in almost equal measures. Jeff Bozos and a retail seller in Mercator can access the same applications and discover similar business opportunities if they put their efforts into the apps. All past technologies were asymmetric in their impacts. They tended to serve the rich of this world more than the poor and underprivileged. Internet and related technologies have, so to say, democratized knowledge to unprecedented levels. The opportunities for growth are there and it all depends on how you make use of the available technology.
There are many people in this country who buy the latest technology and use a low percentage of it. According to some estimates, smart phone users in Ethiopia make use of around 25% of the total potential of their devoices. Why? Because they do not have the skills to use them at optimal levels. Most of them are said to be using applications that are meant for entertainment rather than for education or research. And among these users a high percentage are using social media that requires no skill at all. That is why even teenagers and even toddlers are these days attracted to these apps in growing numbers.
This is one aspect of the problem. The flip side of this is that both mobile phones an applications are invented by foreign companies and are meant for global consumers most of whom are living in developing countries and as such are not literate or skilled enough to differentiate between making good use of the machines or abusing them. It is natural that they choose to use the easier apps that appeal to their emotions. You cannot tell the average user to use more sophisticated apps that require skills and learning.
You may not be an internet guru but common sense might tell you that problem is twofold. On the one hand, most internet users have to deal with the problem of awareness as to how and what app they should use to promote their more serious interests like finding jobs, starting online business, read books, acquiring skills in various areas or look how devises and technologies work and for what purpose…etc. When computers first appeared in this country, there were many schools and training facilities that helped users get basic ideas on how to use the devices. There are no facilities that could orientate smart phone users as to the limitless potentials these devices offer to the users not only for entertainment but also for making money or improving their lives. On the other hand the devices have become so simple and attractive to use and nobody bothers what other features lay hidden inside the phones.
The second problem is the shortage or absence of qualified personnel who could give the lessons on the latest features of computers and mobile phones that could be of help to the users in many way and remain underutilized simply because the skills or knowledge is not there.
Computer technology first appeared in the 1980s and it has now conquered almost the entire world in less than 40 years. In the not so recent past, satellite TV was considered a luxury exclusively enjoyed by the superrich. Now, the shacks and even plastic shelters in Addis are equipped with flat TV and satellite reception devices. What looked like a dream has manifested itself as reality and that is terrific. We may perhaps call this trend the democratization of technology that is triggered by the market and globalization.
“In the meantime a distinctive Internet culture has emerged. Wikipedia defines internet culture as, “a quasi-underground culture developed and maintained among frequent and active users of the internet who primarily communicate with one another online as members of online communities, that is, a culture whose influence is “mediated by computer screens” and information communication technology, specifically the internet.”
Another definition of internet culture or cyber culture as it is often referred to, is the culture that has emerged, or is emerging, from the use of computer networks for communication. The main actors in this culture are young people whose coming of age coincided with the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Every generation usually goes through some kind of innovation or industrial or technological revolution starting from the industrial revolution and going all through the last 200 years. This generation is shaped and inspired by new technology and in turn shapes and impacts the new technology in a novel way.
When we come to Africa, there is a certain degree of retardation in the adoption of internet culture because it was born and raised in the industrial countries and then slowly introduced to the developing world. Even within Africa, the degree of penetration of internet culture varies from country to country depending on their level of educational or economic development. Thus, North African countries relatively more developed than Sub-Saharan countries in terms of the spread of internet culture or ICT development.
Now and then, we come across news of African or Ethiopian young people taking part in international software development competition and scoring good results and that is really heartwarming. Very recently, or a couple of weeks back, three Ethiopians were honored for their works in the area of computing and that is really encouraging. A decade or so ago, we were talking about computes becoming the new normal in technological development and now we are seeing that development have even surpassed the reality on the ground faster than anyone expected.
Many young Ethiopians have won international and continental awards for innovations in science, technology and cyber technology. Ethiopia is also notable for enrolling more young people in science and technology learning at university than any African country. This is not only very encouraging but also a source of inspiration for younger Ethiopians who, besides gaming and scrolling on their tablets and mobile phones, are embarking on the more serious aspects of the new Internet revolution. By linking technology and computer apps to solving the major economic and social problems the country is facing, these young innovators are bound to shape the development of the country in the near future.
Ethiopia is a land of contrasts where tradition and modernity rub shoulders in an environment of competition and cooperation. Almost all the economic, social and technological sectors need innovation and new ideas for change and development. On the other hand, traditional sectors to be slowly joining the race for modernity because they are, knowingly or unknowingly, being subvert by the irresistible technological advances. In this race, the new generation of innovators have one major advantage in that they are not forced to invent the wheel but build on the technical cyber infrastructure that is already available. Their main task consists of marrying modern cyber technology to the needs of traditional sectors in the context of applying inventive solutions to traditional practices. And this is in turn a purely software development challenge where the talents and innovative or imaginative capacities of our young people are challenged. It is encouraging to note in this context that young Ethiopians or Africans in general have proved their mettles by living up to the technological challenges of modernization in business, agriculture, industry and in cyber technology software development.
In 2023 for instance, a ninth grader Ethiopian-born teenager Human Berkeley in Virginia, USA, has won the prestigious award from 3M and Discovery Education, considered one of the country’s top middle school science competitions. Human won the award for inventing soap to treat skin cancer and was named America’s Top Young Scientist. During the award ceremony Human was quoted as saying that, “he envisions in the future ahead teenagers revealed that he envisions himself leading a team of professionals in the development of innovative electrical systems that will shape the future of technology. “Alongside my professional success, I hope to have a fulfilling personal life with a loving family and a strong network of friends. I also hope to have given back to my community by mentoring aspiring engineers and supporting initiatives to promote STEM education.
Human Berkeley assertion is also relevant to all young Ethiopian engineers and software developers who are working hard now to build a better future for tomorrow. These youngsters need further encouragement and support because they differ from their counterparts who could develop along the same line instead of spending their times playing games and scrolling all day and night in search of social media sites that do not contribute to their knowledge or skill development. Of course millions of Ethiopian youth live in difficult circumstance because of the prevailing poverty, joblessness and lack of opportunities. Yet, there are also young people who have the educational preparations, the skills and trainings to contribute to the building of a vibrant and health internet culture in Ethiopia.
BY MULUGETA GUDETA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 29 MARCH 2024
