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How to Be An Effective Digital Citizen

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The digital space is a virtual community, but are you a good citizen of it? Citizenship confers special status on those that are qualified. It separates them from aliens, allowing them to fully associate with the aspirations and objectives of the community in question. A citizen enjoys the full privileges and benefits of their environment if they operate within the existing system as a bonafide member by abiding by the relationship standards. Some of the privileges you can enjoy as an effective citizen of a space include protection, security, rights and liberties that make it possible for you to fully express yourself. You will have the right to relate with other humans in the community and also fully utilise the opportunities of the space without putting yourself at risk. Old and young people today are growing up surrounded by technology but are often not very skilled at making good use of it. Although some people are comfortable using technology, they may use it inappropriately and may be unaware of how to harness the power and potential of technology to pursue their passions and contribute to their community. Based on this background, this write-up provides clues on how to build skills and the confidence to communicate with people respectively and responsibly in the digital space.   Elements of Digital Citizenship A scholar of emerging media, Mike Ribble, in 2015 named three elements of a good digital citizen. He also provided nine sub-elements as key indicators of an effective player in the digital space. The elements are as below: Respect yourself and others by: Observing digital etiquette in conducting yourself with orderliness and appropriateness online while avoiding tardiness Observing digital laws against damaging, stealing, phishing, poking others in the digital space Observing digital access of equal chance to available technology, since accessible technology involves finding alternative means by way of individual skill Educate yourself and connect with others by: Observing digital literacy of knowing the capability of using digital technology and knowing when/how to use it Observing digital technology of selecting appropriate options for communication Observing digital commerce for effective and informed consumers in a digital economy Protect yourself and others by: Observing digital health and wellness of understanding physical and psychological health, balance between the online and real world Observing digital rights and responsibilities of knowing about privacy, freedom of speech, ethics and             empathy in the digital space Observing digital security of protecting information and devices from malware, phishing, spam messages, keylogger, data or copyright theft Your digital footprint online is permanent and important. Permanent in the sense that it can be accessed. Your uploaded content might have been downloaded, screenshot, copied, or saved immediately you posted it by an end-user on a computer, phone, drive or cloud which could be recalled at any time. It also creates activities and forms your personality. So, while it is impulsive to want to break a news, it is also critical to restrain yourself by using the SIFT formular (Stop, Investigate, Find and Trace) method in order not to promote fear amongst your followers or other internet users by focusing only on the negative. Active and vibrant participation in the digital space opens up opportunities, connections and learning in the connected world. Being able to use digital technology has become an important function in our community and it is rapidly changing the way we interact. Digital technologies offer wonderful possibilities for people who can navigate online efficiently, communicate with people respectfully and access information responsibly. These online practices are part of what is known as Digital Citizenship.   TemiDayo Babatunde is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM). He can be reached via his LinkedIn ([email protected]).

From Hobbies to Personal Effectiveness

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Transforming Positive Habits and Hobbies into Learning Power Learning is the process we go through to acquire new knowledge, skills, attitudes or values. We tend to think of learning only in relation to formal study but we are learning all the time through our experiences. Understanding how we learn is a critical building block to personal effectiveness. Everyone is different and some of us appear more effective at learning than others. Curiosity contributes alot to learning by making sense of trial and error, determination and learning from experience. We sometimes forget about some apparently ‘unconscious’ aspects of learning process. Understanding our hidden skills will help us to be a more effective learner in all aspects of our life. Positive habits and hobbies that we formed have the ability to lead our actions into efficiency and can help our learning power domain to exploring beyond the simple styles of doing things which we have mastered overtime. Habits and hobbies here focus on a broad range of behaviours, beliefs and preferences of the ways we learn in different situations, like, how we respond to new tasks, information, ideas and people. By responding to actuality against planned activities, we present ourselves positively to others and we show sensitivity to their needs by unconsciously obtaining their commitment. The following are real life simulations which we carry out daily without knowing their full import on our personal effectiveness and impact on others. Real-Life Experiences If we love keeping and grooming pets – it portrays us: As someone who shows interest in others welfare, we care! As a time-keeper, As punctual in meeting up with schedules and shifts, As humane, empathic and tender in relationship. If we have ears for news, love watching documentaries, love memoirs or history – it shows we are: A curious person, Willing to learn new skills, Methodical in resolving issues, Analytical in approach, Logical from the beginning to an end of a task, Deploying different techniques in arriving at result. If we love to cook especially for multitudes – it may imply that we: Could organize and prioritize our preparation and can keep to plan, Are willing to do things for other people, Could stick to a plan or a set of instructions, Pay attention to minute and detailed manual, Could be time conscious. If we are always regular and punctual in keeping appointments – this shows that we: Could use a diary to remind and organize ourselves of important dates and times, Could stay motivated, even in the face of challenges, Could stick to a laid down plan and act on information or instruction in a timely manner. By participating in entertainments and games, particularly team sports – it shows that we: Could play a defined role within a team work, Could listen to instructions and advice from a team lead, Could understand the importance of practicing and preparing before commencement of tasks, Are alert and ready at a short notice, Would enjoy celebrating team’s success and accomplishment, Understand that a good team relies on all the members working together, Believe in strategic planning. If we tend to garden – this shows that we: Could work constructively on our own, Are creative and could use our imagination, Could look after tools and equipment that we work with, Could take time out and reflect positively on things that are happening around us, Are meek, tender and patience, Are Hands-On and a practical person. If we have been mobilizing our community – it shows: We have leadership ability in us, We could co-ordinate plans and people, People around us trust us with responsibility for tangible results, We are a rallying point, We are opinion moulders. If we are living with other people amicably – it is likely we: Could work within stipulated ground rules, Have skills such as negotiation in order to help relationship work well, Could cope with challenging behaviour and not lose our cool, Could show consideration and respect for other people, Could speak up on behalf of others less able to do so themselves. If we travel around quite a lot, perhaps with a small group of people – this could mean: Ability to coping with many changes and adapt to them especially in new environments, Ability to working within a system that was new to us, Ability to use a diary or other method of reminding ourself of important dates and times, Ability to sticking to a plan and act on others advice. Personal Effectiveness of Self on Others in a Work Place Personal effectiveness describes how our behaviour impact and influence people around us. We exert this influence in the way we communicate and interact. Underpinning this communication and interaction are the things that are going on in our bodies, hearts and minds. The need for personal effectiveness applies in our daily social interaction with people we relate with at all levels in the society especially in a work place, whereas staff can exercise discretion in their work. The need for personal effectiveness applies to many jobs in any particular organisational level. It is a life skill set transferable between job roles, which can be acquired through practice. Impediments to Personal Effectiveness In order to know what is right to do, we need clarity. It is clarity of purpose that allows us to figure out what is truly important. The biggest enemy to clarity of purpose is noise. Noises are impediments and distractions like procrastination, lack of self confidence, running away from responsibility, fear of failure, low self-esteem, failure in taking initiatives and taking no actual action. Way Forward Knowing what is right to do is just half the question. It is useless to know what we are supposed to do if we do not actually do them. To do what is right, we need to overcome distractions to do otherwise. All distractions can be summarized as short-term pleasures. So, the action we need to take is ignoring short-term pleasures. Since the things we are supposed … Read more

The Top Six Tourist Attraction Sites in the World

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The Top Six Tourist Attraction Sites in the World

There are tons of tourist attraction sites in the world. This makes finding the best ones to visit a little tiresome. If you have been planning a vacation and are at a loss for tourist sites to visit, look no further. Here are six most popular tourist attraction sites in the world. 1. Eiffel Tower, Paris The 1,083-foot-tall tower located in Paris is one of the most popular and most visited tourist sites in the world. It is an iron tower and the tallest structure in Paris. The view from the top of the structure is an amazing sight you would not want to miss. 2. Miracle Garden, Dubai If you love flowers and gardens and parks, this garden in Dubai is a must-see for you. It is a colourful garden open to both children and adults. However, the garden is not open to tourists throughout the year. If you are interested in seeing the Miracle Garden, you should plan your vacation to fall within the time it is open. From April to October, it is usually closed. However, the opening and closing times change. To be sure of when to go, keep an eye on their website. 3. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt The sand pyramid is a wonder to gaze upon. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Egypt. It is the largest pyramid in Egypt and was constructed in the 26th century BC. The pyramids house the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. You should add a visit to this site to your bucket list of world wonders to visit. 4. Niagara Falls, Canada The natural attraction, located in Canada, is a waterfall. It is a wonder to look at and to many people’s disappointment, it is not for swimming. If you find yourself in Canada, make sure to visit the Niagara Falls and you will not regret it. 5. The Louvre, Paris The museum is the largest in the world. It houses some of the world’s greatest artefacts including the original painting of Monalisa by Leonardo da Vinci. This is the most visited museum in the world and it is a must-see for art lovers. ALSO READ: 5 Things To Note Before Touring A City 6. Burj Khalifa, Dubai This is the tallest building in the world. Getting tickets to this structure gives you access to the building except for the top-most floor. It has flats, event centres and even outdoor swimming pools that are worth exploring if you find yourself in Dubai.   To add some fun to your vacation, these attraction sites are highly recommended. Therefore, if you find yourself in the country, you should visit these sites and enjoy your holiday.    

The Best Way to Meet Customer Expectations

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The more you know and understand the background and behaviour of your audience and their needs, the better you can prepare your approach to dealing with them. Human behaviour is a function of the environment in which the individual finds himself. In business, striving to have our customers’ background information can help us identify their needs, concerns and inquiries. Our competency in establishing this knowledge will be enhanced through effective communication skills, empathy/emotional stability and efficiency in handling difficult situations and customers. Customer service attitude is beyond initiating greeting and smiling to a customer. A satisfactory skill set must be attained to be an effective customer service representative that is meeting up with customer expectations. Gaining, retaining and maintaining customers in a friendly working relationship, while at the same time maintaining a business-like relationship which brings about loyalty on the side of the customer, is a necessary skill needed by salesmen, brands and service providers who aim to control and dominate a market.   Who is a Customer? Customers are the people that patronize us in our business and who go away with a positive impression of our firm. A customer may pay for our goods and services but must achieve satisfaction for their expenses. The success of the four essences of marketing, i.e. product, promotion, price and place, is based on the continuous patronage of the customer. A business is dependent on the customer. Therefore, an effective customer service campaign is brought on by delivering service excellence. It is the quality delivery of output. Customer expectations for patronage range from customer to customer, but on a general note, every customer requires the following:   Some Customer Expectations To be given awesome service because many are more likely to give a repeated business or referral after a good service experience. Likewise, many customers may stop doing business with a company due to poor customer service experience and failure to resolve their problems in a timely manner. Most customers make purchasing decisions as a result of the influence of visual factors in our workplace, website, staff appearance and approach. Many make judgments about a firm’s credibility based on these factors. Customers like it when you underpromise but deliver beyond expectation. However, reverse expectation is expected if it is otherwise. Sustaining valuable content and brands and presenting new ideas for customers enhance their experience. Consistency in driving and maintaining professional core values will be a measure of loyalty. Measuring satisfaction on customer journeys is more predictive of overall customer satisfaction than measuring happiness through each individual interaction. Pay a lot of attention to the few customers who may have complaints or observations because for every one complaint you get, there are more unhappy customers who have remained silent. Investing in a feedback mechanism is crucial. In this case, on-the-spot attention in resolving customer wants is advisable above the drop-box comment technique. Steady availability on speed dial paid or toll-free lines for making home delivery requests will draw your customers to you. Rewarding loyal customers through socially responsible perks will likely increase the volume of goods and services sold. Loyal customers are more likely to recommend a product, service or brand. Quality customer service forms the basis of the customer experience. Most customers’ main interaction with a business is through interacting with a business’ employee, either by visiting a store or by speaking on the phone. In essence, the company representative has the opportunity to deliver excellent customer service and thus create a great customer experience through proper motivation. If you take care of your employees, they will in turn take care of the customers.   TemiDayo Babatunde is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and can be reached via his LinkedIn ([email protected]).

5 Things to Note Before Touring a City

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Many people begin preparing for their vacation a month before touring a city. They plan out their daily outfit, map out the places they will visit and organize a list of all the meals their taste buds are longing to try. But the one thing they forget to do is gather information about the country they are visiting. This mistake can lead to the uprising of many factors that can ruin their holiday. So, if touring a city is in your plan, here is some information you should definitely make research on before you go. Weather Climate is an important influencing factor when planning for a vacation. Climate varies from country to country at different times of the year. Before you plan to tour a city, you must ensure that you know what the weather is like. Imagine you buy a ticket to go sightseeing and then it hails throughout your stay. Except your idea of ‘sightseeing’ is the view from your hotel room, there will not be much of a sight to see. To prevent the weather from raining on your parade (pun intended), be sure that you check if it is appropriate and not too harsh. Most people prefer areas with a bright and sunny climate. Security Going to a country where your life will constantly be in danger goes against every definition of a vacation. There are countries that have insecurity for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Before you buy your ticket, you should find out if the country you intend to go to is safe or not. It is advised not to visit such countries unless you have to. If you must go, find out all the emergency numbers working in the country. Do not put yourself at risk by not doing this research before you embark on your journey. Reviews Looks can be deceiving. A picture will show you the kind of experience you are expected to have. Reviews from people that have actually been there will tell you the kind of experience you will have. Before you get excited to see those giant mountains or clear oceans, check for the reviews written by fellow tourists. Some countries are not as welcoming to tourists as you think they are and that alone can ruin your whole vacation. The only way to fish out the best destinations is to find the reviews of people who have gone on the same tour as you are planning to go to and see if you will truly have a great time. Laws/Norms This does not mean that you should memorize the whole constitution of the country. Familiarize yourself with some of the norms of the country that pertain to tourists. Some things that you may think is normal or legal may be illegal in another country. Surely ‘a night in jail’ is not part of your itinerary. In dressing, speaking or mannerisms, some countries have rules. It is wise to find out what you can or cannot do, to save yourself from any embarrassment or punishment. For example, in some Arab countries, there are places where it is mandatory to have your hair covered and your dress must not be above your knee. Activities This includes holidays, festivals or events. Some holidays/events place restrictions on movement. These restrictions will not be lifted because of tourists. Your movement will also be restricted. Everything you had planned will fall through. Ensure to be aware if there are any upcoming activities that will hinder your tour to save yourself the heartbreak of not doing what you have dreamed of.   Opeyemi Kareem

Men and Mental Health

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Men’s mental health has not been taken seriously for a while now. Depression and loneliness have often been attributed to women alone. Both men and women suffer from mental health disorders. Men’s mental disorder has been a silent crisis. It is an epidemic that is not talked about because men fail to show it. Mental health is focused on women, and the gender gap added to the prevalence of mental disorders among men. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports that men are more likely to die by suicide than women. It is a crisis that men tend to repress and not show. They battle with it privately so as not to show signs of weakness. The pandemic in 2020 also added to the breakdown of mental health as men had to stay at home. This made many men go into depression and anxiety. Social isolation made many men suffer from mental health. Surveys around the world have admitted that men suffer from mental health as much as women do. Failure to open up about mental health has led to the death of many persons. More men are on the verge of suicide due to mental health. The best way to find out about mental health among men is to check through suicide statistics around the world. You will be stunned to discover that a lot of men have suffered from this disorder. Through research, web content, and academic studies, men’s mental health came to light. There are many reasons why some men choose to be silent about their struggles with a mental disorder. One of them is that they may be termed weak and feminine when seen as depressed or having anxiety. The socio-cultural way men are seen or portrayed in society tends to make men keep their struggles to themselves. Men that repress and bottle up their anxiety or depression, tend to be aggressive and often sink into further disorders like loneliness. Knowing about it will be the first step to overcoming the disorders. This will aid in understanding your health and improving it. Common Mental Disorders There are some mental health issues out there that many men are suffering from which some may not be aware of. Here are lists of some of the common mental health issues: Depression: This is one of the silent killers of men all over the world. Research conducted by some medical professionals shows that the major cause of suicide in America was caused by depression. Many celebrities have taken their lives due to depression. During an interview, Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as “The Rock” admitted that at some point in his life he has a bout of depression. In his words, “I found that, with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you’re not alone.” Eating Disorder: This may be considered a minute thing, but it is a disorder that some men fight with daily. Men with this disorder tend to have an intense fear of weight gain or being fat. Loneliness: This may seem like nothing but during the Pandemic lockdown, the social isolation forced many men into loneliness and depression. Separation and divorce seem to be the leading causes of mental health among men. The separation from spouses and children can badly affect them psychologically and thus lead to suicidal thoughts. Tiwa Savage’s ex-husband, Tunji Balogun, popularly known as TeeBillz suffered from depression in 2016 and also attempted suicide after his marriage with Tiwa Savage crashed. Personality Disorder: Men with this disorder find it hard to relate to people and situations. They have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking. Such men may have been abused verbally or influenced by their peers. Researches have it that they are mainly caused by genetic and environmental influence. Stress: High workload or the need to meet deadlines is a major factor for men to be stressed. Lack of social support may add to the heavy load of stress. The hustle and bustle of city life have a ripple effect on the lives of men as it weakens the body and increases the stress rate among men. Anxiety Disorder: it is a mental disorder that comprises feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily plans. In Nigeria alone, there are about 1.5 million cases reported per year. Men with this disorder tend to be overstressed and unable to set aside worry. They are mainly restless. Martin Luther King has this quote, “everything done in this world is done by hope.” I firmly trust that there is hope and help for every man out there suffering from any form of mental disorder. Apart from educating yourself, you need to take the next step by speaking with a friend or speaking with a medical doctor. Though treatment varies for each mental disorder, opening up and not dying in silence is the first step to getting help. Some forms of treatment are counselling, medication, and psychotherapy.

Understanding, Managing, and Thriving with Mood Swings

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Understanding, Managing and Thriving with Mood swings

Life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, with various highs and lows moment swinging us back and forth. These shifts in mood, often known as mood swings, are a common part of human experience. This essay explores the causes, effects, and practical ways to manage mood swings, aiming to provide a roadmap for a more balanced emotional journey. Understanding the Causes of Mood Swings Mood swings refer to abrupt and noticeable shifts in a person’s emotional state, filled with different periods of happy highs and sad lows. They involve sudden changes in how we feel-going from feeling cheerful and positive one minute to feeling down or irritable the next. It’s like riding a wave of emotions without knowing when the next wave will hit. There are various reasons why a person’s mood can suddenly change, and it sometimes depends on the mental health of such individual. Lisa Fields note that people with bipolar disorder mostly have cases of mood swings. They include: 1. Biological Factors: Changes in hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain chemistry can play a significant role in changes in one’s mood. This can occur when ladies have their menstrual cycles. Youths going through the adolescence stage can have unexpected changes in mood. 2. Stress and External Pressures: The work, relationships, and unforeseen challenges act as external forces. These pressures can push our emotions in different directions. 3. Sleep Patterns: Disruptions in sleep can influence one’s mood. Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can lead to irritability and emotional imbalance, creating inconsistent highs and lows in our mood. 4. Life Events and Trauma: Significant life events, whether positive or negative, can swiftly change our moods and emotions. Trauma, loss or major life changes can trigger intense mood swings. Effects of Mood Swings on One’s Mental Health The impact of mood swings extends beyond a person’s immediate emotional experience. It also affects our mental wellbeing in various ways: 1. Stress and Anxiety: Mood swings can bring stress and anxiety, especially when you cannot predict or control your emotions. It’s like being on a rollercoaster without knowing when the twists and turns will come. 2. Impact on Relationships: Sudden shifts in mood might make it difficult for others to understand and connect with us. We might end up losing valuable relationships as a result which might lead to worsening health issues. 3. Energy and Productivity: Mood swings can impact a person’s energy levels and productivity at work or in school. High-energy periods may be followed by periods of low motivation. This could then affect the ability to engage in daily tasks consistently. 4. Self-Esteem: Repeated mood swings can take a negative toll on a person’s self-esteem. The emotional ups and downs may lead to self-criticism and doubt, affecting one’s sense of confidence and self-worth. Practical Ways to Manage Mood Swings While we may not have complete control over various external factors that contribute to mood swings, there are practical ways to manage this emotional path: 1. Be Self-Aware: Be able to detect what triggers your emotions and be aware of the patterns. You can get a mood journal which will help you identify factors that can contribute to mood swings and provide insights for effective management. 2. Freely Express your Emotions: Talk to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or find a creative outlet to express how you feel. These activities can provide an emotional release that will make you quickly snap out of your mood swings. 3. Live a Healthy Life: Make a healthy lifestyle your priority. Practice exercise regularly; eat balanced diets on a daily basis and have consistent sleep patterns. These will ultimately contribute to emotional resilience and stability. 4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your routines. Practice meditation and deep breathing. This can help manage stress and promote emotional balance. 5. Seek Professional Support: If your mood swings significantly affect your daily functioning, it is important that you seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, coping strategies, and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. Mood swings occur at various times in every human life, but understanding their causes, recognizing their effects on our mental health, and adopting effective management strategies empower us to navigate the emotional landscape with resilience. By incorporating self-awareness, healthy habits, and seeking support when needed, individuals can transform the peaks and valleys of mood swings into a more balanced and fulfilling emotional life.