Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), says social media is not just a platform for entertainment but a valuable tool for law enforcement.
Adejobi spoke on Saturday in Lagos at the fifth Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH), which was headlined ‘Social media: The Influence, Power, and Impact’.
The Bodex social media hangout is a media discussion forum that encourages collaboration between social media users, experts, and stakeholders.
Adejobi, who talked on the topic ‘The digital detective: Solving crimes in the social media age,’ stressed the importance of digitally knowledgeable cops who can use social media and its active users to solve more crimes.
“Social media is not just a platform for entertainment; it’s a valuable tool for law enforcement. By leveraging the power of the mass number of social media active users, we can solve more crimes and make our communities safer,” the police spokesperson said.
Dotun Babatunde, a digital communication practitioner who talked on ‘The Impact of AI on Social Media,’ emphasised artificial intelligence’s revolutionary role in the social media ecosystem, as well as its impact on people’s attention span.
Babatunde explained how AI-powered algorithms prioritise engagement and magnify sensational material while still allowing for customised and meaningful connections.
He urged users and producers to approach AI in a balanced manner, acknowledging its promise and drawbacks.
He talked on how “we live in an attention economy, where human attention is a scarce commodity” .
Tayo Popoola, an associate professor in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, described social media as a double-edged sword that empowers the voiceless while also creating room for disinformation and toxicity.
Popoola emphasised the need of digital literacy in allowing users to reap the benefits of social media while minimising its negative consequences.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, was represented by OreOluwa Finnih, his special adviser on sustainable development goals (SDG), who reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to using social media for growth and societal well-being.
