In an era where a single post can travel across the globe in seconds, the power of our voices has never been greater. This episode moved the conversation beyond merely ‘using’ the internet, to mastering it as a tool for amplifying positive voices and deepening democracy.The ‘Active Civic Skillset’ series was designed to equip young people with the essential digital skills needed to navigate online spaces, spot misinformation, understand their digital rights while voicing responsibly.The Global Futures Assembly, the dedicated youth wing of the Institute, featured three renowned speakers who gave powerful insights into digital literacy and empowerment; speech and its consequences; and digital responsibilities that protect oneself and the community. The discussion emphasised that while digital tools empower civic voices, they also create a permanent digital footprint that can impact future endeavours and professional careers. The conversation was moderated by Mr. Bismark Owoahene Acheampong.

Digital Literacy and Empowerment:

The first section was led by Eva Kuupuolo, a lecturer at the University of Media and Communications (UNIMAC) and a doctoral researcher. She distinguished misinformation from disinformation by emphasizing that the former involve ‘unintentional sharing   of inaccurate or false information whereas the latter involves publishing such information intentionally to cause malice, fear, or panic, or to evoke a specific mindset.’Digital empowerment stems from essential skills such as critical thinking, rigorous research to ensure accuracy, and a sound understanding of civic matters. This is bolstered by ‘common sense’ to make informed judgements about trending issues, alongside comprehensive media and information literacy.A useful rule of thumb for verifying information and identifying ‘red flags’ is this: if a report evokes strong emotions such as anger, sorrow, or extreme excitement, it should be treated with caution, prompting the user to verify its accuracy before sharing. Furthermore, should news regarding a prominent figure originate from a single source—particularly a platform with a small following or one whose content deviates from its usual niche—it should be probed further before the information is used.

Speech and Consequences:

This section was led by Mr. Julian Cobbinah, Board Chairman of the National Youth Authority; he emphasised that safeguarding our democracy requires a delicate balance between regulation and freedom. He argued that while the state must protect its citizens from extremist recruitment and disinformation, it must avoid becoming a ‘police state’ that censors bold discourse.The paradox of ‘digital anonymity’ is that individuals cannot hide behind a screen to act with impunity; they inevitably leave ‘digital footprints’ or ‘data trails’. Cybersecurity authorities can use these traces to identify crimes committed online. For instance, sharing false information that damages a reputation can lead to civil defamation lawsuits. Furthermore, remarks that incite ethnic conflict, hatred, or national instability can result in criminal prosecutions, as these digital records provide the evidence necessary to commence investigations.

Digital Responsibility:

Dr Clement Twumasi, a Senior Medical Statistician at the University of Oxford, advised: ‘True digital empowerment is defined not by the loudness of one’s voice, but by the responsibility and wisdom with which that voice is used.’ He noted that while digital rights—such as privacy and expression—safeguard the individual, digital responsibilities protect the wider community.He encouraged young people to build sustainable influence by being accurate, transparent, and consistent in providing quality information, rather than chasing fleeting virality through misinformation. In addition to fact-checking with reputable media houses, other essential resources for combatting misinformation include BBC Reality Check, Google Lens, and Dubawa.

Impact and Potential Risks:

An unsafe digital environment carries severe consequences; it damages the reputations of individuals and businesses, incites hatred, and fosters societal disintegration. This includes the promotion of ethnic conflict, which threatens the sovereignty and stability of the state.A significant risk of disinformation lies in the unwitting influence of individuals by extremist groups through targeted campaigns. A primary concern for governments remains the exploitation of social media by religious extremists to destabilise regions across West Africa, which often  results in the recruitment of teenagers for foreign conflicts.

Amplifying Positive Voices:

The Global Futures Institute calls upon all young people to take active ownership of their digital presence. We must demand government regulation of the digital space to enhance the safety and security of the most vulnerable in society. The Institute encourages the youth to be leaders, by practicing their civic duties—such as the submission of memoranda and bills to Parliament or challenging laws that infringe upon freedom of speech in court.The power provided by digital tools requires both the right and the wisdom to wield it; as the saying goes: ‘Possessing digital tools without the skills to use them responsibly, is more harmful than having no tools at all.’

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