by Grace Kauli and Kayleen Misah
Facebook
has become an essential tool for the young people in Papua New Guinea, offering
opportunities for education, social networking, and economic growth. In a
country like Papua New Guinea (PNG) access to traditional resources and
infrastructure can be limited, therefore Facebook bridges these gaps by
providing an easily accessible, low-cost platform for communication and
learning. It serves as a service for young generations to create public
profiles (Dhiman, 2022). Despite ongoing concerns about the potential downsides
of social media, Facebook continues to serve as a vital space where individuals
can freely connect, share knowledge, and engage with a global audience in
today’s interconnected world.
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FB users interacting online via live |
One of Facebook’s most significant contributions in Papua New Guinea is its role in education. The platform allows students and teachers to share resources, participate in discussions, and explore diverse perspectives. For example, the Gunantuna blog on Facebook educates locals about East New Britain’s traditional customs, bridging the gap for students who lack access to traditional educational materials. Schools and universities have also adopted Facebook as a tool for communication, allowing students to receive important announcements and engage with their peers (UNESCO, 2022). Facebook makes it ideal for education accessibility to the public, optimizing for low-bandwidth networks and mobile devices, making it usable in remote areas. Additionally, its interactive features, such as live videos and group pages, enable real-time learning and collaboration. However, the reliance on Facebook for educational content raises ethical concerns. The platform’s lack of strict content regulation can expose users to misinformation, which may hinder learning. This highlights the need for media literacy programs to help users critically evaluate the information they encounter online.
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another fb user interacting through posts and comments. |
Facebook also plays a crucial role in strengthening social connections. It allows families and communities to stay in touch. Through messaging, video calls, and group discussions, people can maintain relationships, share important updates, and engage with others in real time (Cameron & Barret, 2021). However, beyond family-related connections, Facebook offers a platform for social and emotional support as well. This includes community-driven pages that offer safe spaces where individuals can share personal struggles and receive advice or assistance. Additionally, fostering a deeper understanding between individuals and their ability to connect and create virtual communities (Chen,2024). For instance, Facebook groups like Senisim PNG, enable users to engage with others who share similar interests or challenges. However, these nteractions often remain surface-level. While likes and comments can create a sense of connection, they lack the depth of face-to-face interactions.
Overall, Facebook’s impact on education and social connections in PNG is undeniable. It provides accessible tools for learning and communication, empowering individuals and communities. However, its influence comes with ethical challenges, such as the spread of misinformation and the potential for shallow interactions. By addressing these issues, Facebook can continue to be a powerful force for positive change. As the platform continues to evolve, fostering digital literacy and promoting responsible use can help maximize its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks. Collaborations between educational institutions, community organizations, and Facebook itself could create programs that teach users how to navigate the digital world more safely and critically.
References
Cameron, J. & Barret, L. (2021). Communication in the Digital Age. Technology and Society Journal, 17(3), pg. 45-59.
Chen J (2024) Community Connections: Exploring the World of Facebook Groups. Global Media Journal.
Retrieved from: https://www.globalmediajournal.com/open-access/community-connections-exploring-the-world-of-facebook-groups.pdf
Dhiman, M (2022). Social Media and youth engagement: The role of Facebook in digital identity formation. Journal of Communication Studies, 45(2), pg. 112-128.
UNESCO. (2022) Social media and education in Papua New Guinea: A new era of learning. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Retrieved from: https://www.unesco.org/en/countries/papua-new-guinea
