Researchers express concern particularly on the negative impacts of the modern technologies – especially now with the capacities of AI being only partially known – on behavioural and psychological health, and on cognitive capacities, such as decision making and critical thinking.
Among experts there are agitations regarding limitations of effective human control and unpredictability of the AI systems.
It is baffling and scary even to scientists themselves that AI tools can solve problems beyond what they were trained for by the human programmers, and even further applying problem solving models that humans do not recognize and cannot understand.
Most people live with serious mental health problems without their knowledge, and as such with time their situations become severe, leading to extremes such as self-harm and suicide. While globally the African continent has among the least numbers of cases, it does not make it a less serious issue. This is because human life is involved.
We must agree that people are built and groomed differently and as such have varying capacities inasmuch as handling of pressure and stressful situations is concerned. What can be a non-issue to one can be a big problem to another, leading them to anxiety, losing a sense of value of their own lives or even feeling hopeless about themselves.
It is important that our use of social media reflects the value of the created world in its diversity as belonging to God and purposed for his will. There is a lot of pessimism, negativity, denial, and seemingly normalized absurdity towards the profound yet humbling reality of ‘creation’ and that of a Creator God who has purpose for his creation.
Immersing ourselves as young people in the local politics entails not only participating as ‘wingers’ canvassing for party agendas, but as passionate patriots who prioritize the common good of the Tanzanian people over the popular opinions or the louder and coercive voices.
However, our engagement in politics needs to be guided by values, especially of truth, good will and justice. History and generations will never forget to blame us for the wrong decisions we participate in making today devoid of the values of truth, good will and justice.
Speaking of use of single-use plastics, we need policies that strictly forbid entry of unnecessary plastics, especially in packagings.
We need to more and more invest in biodegradable packaging, especially for consumables like foods and drinks. About 40 per cent of plastic waste has a connection with food and drinks.
Early childhood shapes the foundation for emotional, cognitive, and social growth, yet many Tanzanian children grow up without active fathers, especially in low-income and single-parent households. Studies reveal that over half of Tanzanian children experience developmental delays, while 80 percent of single parents are mothers. Experts stress that fatherhood is irreplaceable in shaping confidence, identity, and moral values. Promoting gender equality and child well-being, therefore, requires redefining fatherhood and strengthening men’s engagement in parenting from the earliest years.
Drug abuse and illicit trafficking remain a global crisis, but beyond statistics lies the human tragedy of addiction and lost potential. In Tanzania, studies show that most drug users begin between ages 15 and 24, with many continuing for over a decade. The surge in trafficking and local use, including heroin and methamphetamine, threatens the country’s youth and workforce. The fight must center on prevention, compassion, supportive recovery and effort towards breaking cycles of crime, stigma, and despair through education, awareness, and stronger community systems.
In 2022 a published research revealed that over 16,000 lives were lost to motorcycle accidents. Many are left with permanent disabilities as well. With the level of non-compliance now, no safety gears, careless riding, riding when drunk, over-speeding, and overloading, we are surely all endangered.
It is time to train people to refuse patronizing with minimum safety on our roads for our common good as a people. Considering the reality that over half of the population of Tanzania is under the age of 18, and more than 70 per cent are under the age of 30, and 77 per cent under the age of 35, these risks are not worth taking.
It is time we shed out these cultural beliefs that get in the way of actual wellness and health and face the vulnerability of being unwell as a life reality. This makes it easy to be helped. The good thing is we have professionals in the country, but they can only be fully utilized if people are set free from the cultural ties that make them see their actual vulnerability as a threat to their public image.
Maternal health is the cornerstone of early childhood development, which begins at conception. Families and communities must prioritize the care of pregnant women through early antenatal consultations, adequate nutrition, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of their physical and emotional wellbeing.