ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE

OF TECHNOLOGY

PRE-ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ASSIGNMENT

Name: Kirubel Melese

ID Number: UGR/0235/16
Section: 11
Submitted to: Edmealem Esubalew
Submission Date: 12/06/2024 G.C
 Table of contents

The Contribution of Entrepreneurship for

Economic Development and Growth in Ethiopia…………..…..1

Challenges and opportunities

for entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. ……………………........……2

role of innovation in entrepreneurship in Ethiopia……………..2

the concept of social entrepreneurship in Ethiopia.……………..3

Traditional vs Digital Entrepreneurship in Ethiopia……………..4

Importance of entrepreneurial education

and training programs in Ethiopia………………….………...…5

Introduction

Currently in our generation technology has been growing at a faster pace than ever before with
this advancement comes a great concern for this generation called SOCIAL MEDIA.

This new concept of social media raises different kinds of opinions from different kinds of people
of different age , sex, personality, and background. Some say it’s useful some say it’s offensive
others do their work and business on it while few use it for self destruction.

This media is mostly used by people aging between 14-50 as stated above there are many
advantages and disadvantages to it let us see the problems that arise and discuss methods to solve
those problems.

1. Privacy violation

Privacy violations on social media occur when personal information is collected, used, and shared
without user permission. Social media platforms collect many data from users, including their
locations, interests, and interactions. This data can be used to target ads also it can also be misused,
leading to privacy problems on users.

To protect privacy, users should get clear information about what data is being gathered and how
will it be used. Social media organizations need to implement strong data protection measures.
These include encrypting data and minimizing the amount of data collected. Governments can also
play a role by enforcing regulations which sets guidelines for data privacy.

Privacy violations can have serious consequences. They can lead to identity theft, financial loss,
and psychologicalstress. Users may feel vulnerable and lose trust in social media platforms.
Therefore it is preferable to prioritize privacy protections than accumulating data mindlessly .

2. Misinformation and Fake News

Misinformation on social media is the spread of false information. Fake news can easily go viral,
influencing public opinion and behavior.

For example, false claims about vaccines can lead to vaccine misinformation which happened
while the COVID-19 pandemic time which can harm public health.

To combat misinformation, social media platforms can partner with independent factchecking
organizations. These organizations can identify the truthfulness of information and filter out false
content. Platforms can also adjust their algorithms to reduce the spread of catchy or false
information. Promoting verified information from reliable sources can help users access accurate
content.

Educating people is another important strategy. People should be taught how to identify reliable
sources and recognize misinformation. Critical thinking skills can help to evaluate the truthfulness
of the information they find on social media.
 3. Cyberbullying and Harassment

Cyberbullying and also harassment are significant concerns on social media. These behaviors can
include sending threatening and uncomfortable messages, spreading false information, or posting
hurtful comments. Victims of cyberbullying can suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental
health issues.

Social media platforms need reporting and response systems to handle cyberbullying and
harassment. People should be able to report abusive behavior easily, and platforms should respond
quickly to these reports. Clear community guidelines that prohibit abusive behavior are essential.
Platforms must enforce these guidelines consistently to create a safer online environment. Support
services for victims of cyberbullying are also important. Social media platforms can provide
resources and connect users with mental health organizations. By addressing cyberbullying and
harassment effectively, platforms can protect users’ well-being and promote a positive online
experience.

4. Addiction and Mental Health

The phenomena of social media addiction can be largely attributed to the dopamine-inducing social
environments that social networking sites provide. Social media platforms such as Facebook,
Snapchat, and Instagram produce the same neural circuitry that is caused by gambling and
recreational drugs to keep consumers using their products as much as possible. Studies have shown
that the constant stream of retweets, likes, and shares from these sites cause the brain’s reward area
to trigger the same kind of chemical reaction seen with drugs like Cocaine. In fact, neuroscientists
have compared social media interaction to a syringe of dopamine being injected straight into the
system.

Excessive social media use can lead to addictio and negatively impact mental health. People may
spend hours scrolling through social media, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low
selfesteem. Young people are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

Social media platforms can help mitigate these issues by making design changes that promote
healthy usage. For example, platforms can include reminders to take breaks or features that limit
time. These tools can encourage users to balance their social media use with other activities.
 5. Algorithmic Bias and Echo Chambers

Social media platforms can produce echo-chambers, which lead to polarization and can encourage
the spread of false information.

Algorithms on social media modify content for users, based on their previous interactions. While
this can create a personalized experience, it can also increase existing biases and create echo
chambers. In an echo chamber, users are only exposed to information that comply to their beliefs,
which can polarize opinions and reduce exposure to diverse perspectives and view points.

This effect primarily refers to the self-selective polarizing effect of content where people immerse
themselves in social circles in such a way that they are primarily exposed to content that agree
with their beliefs. For example, a political liberal might friend more liberals on Facebook, thumbs-
up liberal-minded content, and thus constantly be exposed to posts and news which aligns with his
worldview.

Ways(Strategies) to handle the above stated problems

Corporate Responsibility and Ethical Leadership

Social media companies have a responsibility to act ethically and prioritize the well-being of their
users. Developing ethical workspace can guide companies in making decisions that benefit society.
These frameworks should focus on user privacy, accurate information, and respectful interactions.
Accountability is key to ethical leadership. Social media companies should implement regular
audits and public reporting on their ethical practices. This transparency can build trust with the
people and hold companies accountable for their actions.

By promoting responsibility, social media companies can create platforms that are not only
profitable but also beneficial to society. Ethical leadership can help address the moral and ethical
challenges associated with social media usage.
Strengthened Privacy Protections

Social media platforms must adopt strict data protection measures to guard users’ privacy.

This involves clear and transparent data collection policies, where users are fully informed about
what data is being collected and how it will be used. Giving users control over their personal
information is the main goal. Platforms should provide options for users to manage their data, such
as settings to limit data collection and tools to delete their data.

Encrypting data is another useful step. Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it cannot
be read or misused. Minimizing data collection to only what is necessary for the service also helps
reduce the risk of privacy violations.

Combatting Misinformation

Fact-checking partnerships are essential for combating misinformation. Social media platforms
can work with independent organizations that specialize in verifying information. When false
content is identified, it can be reported or removed, and users can be directed to accurate
information.

Adjusting algorithms to de-emphasize sensational or false content can also help. By prioritizing
verified information from reliable sources, platforms can reduce the visibility of misinformation.

Educating people is a good approach. Social media companies can create campaigns to teach users
how to critically evaluate information. This includes checking the credibility of sources, looking
for multiple viewpoints, and being skeptical of sensational headlines.
Addressing Cyberbullying and Harassment

Developing reporting and response systems is crucial for addressing cyberbullying and
harassment. Social media platforms should provide easy-to-use tools for reporting abusive
behavior. Once reported, platforms need to respond quickly and take appropriate action, such as
removing harmful content or banning users who violate community guidelines.

Enforcing clear community guidelines is essential. These guidelines should explicitly prohibit
cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech. Consistent enforcement of these rules helps create a
safer and more easy to use online environment. Support services for victims are also important.

Controlling Addiction and Mental Health Issues

Design changes that encourage healthy usage patterns can help mitigate addiction For instance,
platforms can implement features that remind users to take breaks or limit their screen time. These
tools can help users manage their time on social media.

Providing support is another important strategy. Social media companies can partner with mental
health organizations to assist with resources, such as informational content about mental health
and links to counseling services. By raising awareness and providing support, platforms can help
users address mental health issues related to social media.

Addressing Algorithmic Bias and Echo Chambers

Increasing transparency is a key step in addressing algorithmic bias. Social media platforms should
explain how content is personalized and allow users to customize their feeds. This transparency
helps users understand why they see certain content and gives them more control over their
experience.

Promoting content diversity is also important. Platforms can feature a variety of perspectives and
sources, rather than only showing content that aligns with users' existing beliefs. This approach
helps expose users to different viewpoints and reduces the risk of biased opinions.
Encouraging users to engage with diverse content can yield a more inclusive online community.
By promoting open-mindedness and understanding, social media platforms can help connect
divides and reduce polarization.

Corporate Responsibility and Ethical Leadership

Social media companies need to prioritize ethical behavior and user health. Developing ethical
guidelines can guide companies in making decisions that benefit society. These guidelines should
focus on user privacy, accurate information, and respectful interactions.

Implementing accountability measures is crucial. Regular audits and public reporting on ethical
practices can hold companies accountable and build trust with users. Transparency in these
processes helps ensure that companies are acting in the best interests of their users and society.

Promoting corporate responsibility can lead to social media that are both profitable and useful to
society. Ethical leadership can address the moral and ethical challenges of social media usage,
creating a safer and more respectful online environment for all people using it.

In conclusion, the rapid growth of technology, particularly social media, has introduced a
complex mix of advantages and challenges. While social media connects people, facilitates
business, and provides entertainment, it also brings significant concerns such as privacy violations,
misinformation, cyberbullying, addiction, and algorithmic bias that may contradict ethical and
moral principles. Addressing these issues requires a clear and clever approach: enhancing privacy
protections, combatting misinformation through fact-checking and user education, developing
robust systems to address cyberbullying, promoting healthy usage patterns to mitigate addiction,
and increasing transparency and diversity in algorithmic content curation.

Reference

“Privacy Violations on Social Media” by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

“Privacy and Data Protection” by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
“Misinformation on Social Media” by the Pew Research Center
“Fake News and Misinformation” by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN)
“Cyberbullying” by the Cyberbullying Research Center
“Harassment and Bullying” by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)
“Social Media Addiction” by the American Psychological Association (APA)
“Mental Health and Social Media” by the World Health Organization (WHO)Algorithmic Bias
and Echo Chambers
“Algorithmic Bias” by the Algorithmic Transparency Institute
“Echo Chambers” by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center
“Corporate Responsibility” by the United Nations Global Compact
“Ethical Leadership” by the Society for Business Ethics