Internet Society of Ghana President urges Ghanaians to be responsible online, warns against social media overuse

President of the Internet Society of Ghana, Dr Maud Adjeley Ashong Elliot, has urged Ghanaians to adopt responsible online behaviour, warning that careless use of social media can affect their privacy, reputation, productivity and relationships.

She said the internet had become an essential part of everyday life, making it important for both young and older people to understand how to navigate digital platforms safely.

“The internet has come to stay, whether we like it or not. We have to make sure we adapt, and then we survive,” she said.

Dr Ashong Elliot said this at the maiden public lecture of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners, held at the British Council on Friday, November 13, under the theme, “Growing up online: Social media, mental health, and the future of Ghana’s youth.”

She likened responsible online behaviour to the etiquette people are taught in their everyday lives, saying the growing use of digital platforms required users to be mindful of how they communicate and what they share.

She cautioned that content posted online could remain accessible even after users attempted to delete it, as others might have saved or shared copies.

“Whatever you put out there cannot be erased,” she said, urging users to pause and think carefully before posting or forwarding content.

Dr Ashong Elliot also challenged users to pay closer attention to the terms and conditions of digital platforms, particularly WhatsApp, and not assume that end-to-end encryption offered complete protection.

She said excessive phone use was also affecting people's productivity, including in professional and learning environments.

Sharing her personal experience, she said she had realised she was becoming too dependent on her phone and had introduced a schedule to check WhatsApp messages at intervals rather than constantly reaching for the device.

She encouraged users to set boundaries around their screen time and protect their sleep by avoiding the habit of using their phones just before going to bed.

On digital footprints, Dr Ashong Elliot urged people to search for their names online and take deliberate steps to shape the information available about them.

She said individuals should be strategic about their online presence and pay attention to what is published about them, given how difficult it can be to correct or remove information once it circulates.

She further advised users to be cautious about privacy settings, permissions granted to applications, and the personal information they share with online platforms. She also encouraged people to cover their computer webcams when they were not in use.

Parents, she said, must take an active interest in their children's online activities by checking the content they access on platforms such as YouTube.

Dr Ashong Elliot also warned against the spread of misinformation, scams and phishing attempts, urging users to verify information before sharing it and to independently confirm requests for personal details.

She said that people who forward harmful or inappropriate content also bear responsibility for its circulation, even if they did not create it.

On artificial intelligence, she acknowledged its growing importance but urged users to engage with the technology ethically and pay attention to the privacy implications of the applications they use.

“AI has also come. Please, it has come to stay, whether we like it or not. But what we want to preach is that let's use it ethically,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Ghana Child Protection Specialist Hilda Mensah warned that young people faced risks such as online grooming, cyberbullying and sextortion, which could have serious consequences for their mental health.

She said such experiences could lead to depression, suicidal attempts, social isolation, strained relationships and a loss of trust in others.

While acknowledging the benefits of the internet for learning, communication, business and skills development, she urged young people to use digital platforms in ways that support their personal growth and contribute positively to society.

“Use the internet for your own development, innovation, learning, connecting positively, and making importantly a contribution to building your society, your community, your family, and yourself,” she said.

Ms Mensah also cautioned young people against cyberbullying, hateful comments, and sharing content intended to embarrass or harm others.

She reminded them that their online activities could have consequences beyond the present, urging them to think critically about what they post and how it might affect their future.

“The internet never forgets,” she said, encouraging young people to build a positive digital footprint.

Chairperson for the event, Evelyn Agyapong, called on young people to use the internet responsibly and take advantage of its benefits while avoiding activities that could negatively affect their mental health and future.

She acknowledged that the internet had created opportunities for learning, communication, business, innovation and skills development, but said users must also be conscious of the risks associated with social media and other digital platforms.

She noted that online grooming, cyberbullying and sextortion could have serious consequences for young people's mental health, potentially leading to depression, suicidal attempts, social isolation, strained relationships and a loss of trust in others.

Ms Agyapong urged young people to focus on the positive opportunities offered by the internet and avoid using digital platforms to bully others, make hateful comments or share content intended to ridicule or embarrass people.

She said that responsible online behaviour was particularly important because digital activities could affect individuals long after content had been posted.

“The internet never forgets,” she said, urging young people to build positive digital footprints that would not undermine their future opportunities.