A lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Dr. Stephen Tindi has urged young people to use technology as a tool for progress rather than mere entertainment.
Speaking at the 2025 Youthworkers Roundtable Discussion organized by Youth Arise Organization (YAO), he said technology can create opportunities in education, trade, sports, and entertainment when used wisely.
“The beautiful thing about technology is that it’s an enabler. It can facilitate different things. So whether you are in education, you are in trade, you are in entertainment, you are in sports, there is something that technology can do for you. But you see, it is only a tool. So you have to understand it to be able to use it well,” he said.
He noted that while some people use the internet to acquire knowledge, others waste valuable time on trivial content. He emphasized the importance of being intentional in using online platforms for learning and self-improvement.
“For example, the internet… while somebody is using it to study, to learn from YouTube, another person is just watching videos and laughing at cats jumping up and down for the fun of it,” he added.
Dr. Tindi urged participants to take advantage of social media for career development and influence, rather than random engagement. He pointed out that social media platforms are powerful for collaboration and building authority in specific fields rather than just platforms for connections and entertainment.
“Social media platforms are designed for collaboration. If you are interested in sports, don’t just follow people randomly. Follow those who are in sports… As you are getting involved, the things you see, you’re also establishing your authority,” he said, adding that some sports commentators on social media are now as trusted as established media houses.
He also highlighted the value of digital learning and crowdfunding platforms in empowering young people. Platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and Chango, he explained, offer opportunities to acquire knowledge, earn certifications, and even raise funds for businesses and social projects.
“YouTube is like a university. I learned a lot of things from YouTube, from public speaking to how to negotiate… Then other platforms like Chango for crowdfunding and Coursera for online courses. So there’s absolutely no excuse at all not to get involved in this,” Dr. Tindi said.
Accessing these opportunities does not require expensive tools, Dr. Tindi added, stressing that even a basic smartphone can unlock immense value. He further encouraged young people to use technology to network, share ideas, and test concepts before launching them on a larger scale.
“It can be just as simple as a mobile phone. If you have a network on social media, you can bounce off some of these ideas, form partnerships, and reduce your risk. The trick is being able to use it consistently and master how to use it productively,” he concluded.
Watch the 2025 Youth Workers Roundtable here
Written by Samuel Nii Adjetey
