SwitchOn Saturday
talks with Dr Kishan Kariippanon in Arnhem Land
about the pros and cons of Facebook
Kishan & Mr Lalambari Yunupingu
searching for mud crabs by the
mangrove swamp
The pros & cons of Facebook in remote, indigenous societies
The SwitchOn team discovered that the pros & cons of Facebook in indigenous and remote
communities are generally much the same as they are for young people all around the
world. Facebook is great for sharing stories and information, creating knowledge and
making connections. Some of the cons of Facebook, which are not of course unique for
remote and indigenous areas, are that it can enable people to say hurtful things to each
other. In an indigenous community this can bring shame to their family. In Arnhem Land
if someone is affected, and feels hurt, then the whole clan will feel hurt along with them
Kishan with traditional dancer
Mr Timmy (Barracuda) Ganambarr One thing that Facebook has really helped with in remote areas, is as a distraction away
from boredom. Facebook is also a tool for young people in indigenous communities to
at the 2013 Garma Festival.
Dr Kishan Kariippanon is a public communicate with others that may be very far away across the broad expanses of their
health communications researcher homelands. Though this is a useful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family,
and practitioner with dreadlocks. elders still send the message that it’s important for young people in indigenous
He lives in beautiful Arnhem Land communities to limit their time on technology and hand-held devices so they can remain
connected with their land and rich culture.
and is currently writing up his
study of Yolngu youth and their Thanks Kishan for such a great interview and sharing your perspectives!
use of Facebook & mobile phones. You can check out the podcast of the whole show here
by Miani Rose