Avinash Meetoo

Let us build a Smart Mauritius together

ElectionsMauritius.com: Why? How? And the way forward.

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On Friday 3 May 2024, to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day 2024 of the United Nations, students in Communications and Journalism at the University of Mauritius in collaboration with Christina Meetoo organised a seminar on “Building Stronger and More Exciting Journalism for Mauritius”.

During the seminar, Christina and I made a joint presentation on one of our collaborative projects, ElectionsMauritius.com. This website was launched in 2014 during the general elections, was updated in 2019 and is in need of being revamped for the upcoming elections of 2024. The websites shows all constituencies, parties, candidates and their online presence (website, social network accounts, photos, etc.) The website, which has been working for ten years now without interruption, has a substantial number of visitors and this number is increasing on a daily basis.

Christina and I encouraged the students to contribute to ElectionsMauritius.com by supplying data on nomination day and on the day the results are released. We also asked the audience what kind of additional features and information they would like to have on the website. People mentioned fact-checking of what is being said by candidates as well as tracking of proposals made in electoral programmes. Both are very interesting.

During the seminar, we had a great presentation by Khalil Cassimally, the Head of Audience Insights at The Conversation as well as talks and videos by past winners of the Africa Fact-Checking Awards. We also enjoyed a video on the history of the press in Mauritius by a past student. A big thank you to the organisers and the audience. I really enjoyed making a presentation with Christina at the University of Mauritius.

(Bravo to Lloyd Lallmamode, Jatin Ramlowat, Vivek Bhunjun, Vanshika Pochun, Mansha Deenoo, Preetish Kishto, Diksha Caulleechurn, Joomun Taysiir, Lorynia Potage, Amanda Elizabeth and Amtul Kafee Taujoo, all of them currently students in Communications and Journalism.)

Emerging Technologies for a Sustainable Future during the National Science Week 2024

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On Thursday 28 March 2024, I was invited to make a presentation on “Emerging Technologies for a Sustainable Future” with the important subtitle of “And how important young people are for Mauritius”. This was during the National Science Week 2024 organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre at the Côte d’Or National Complex.

During my talk, I explained to a large group of young students of Grades 10-13 (Form IV to VI) what Vision 2030 is for Mauritius, how technology and innovation are important enablers to achieve this vision, how the country is facing major challenges (as is the rest of the world) and how, if we want to achieve a sustainable future, we need to have a critical mass of young professionals in green technologies and also in emerging technologies. I told the students that they are the “peopleware” of Mauritius and they are more important than hardware and/or software.

At the end, I also told them that while Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are essential subjects, it is also important for them to develop their soft skills. Finally, I also told them to develop an artistic side in order to see further ahead…

A big thank you to the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre for organising such an interesting event with a special mention for Dr Ellora Dhunnoo, Dr Aman Maulloo, Dr Bhamini Kamudu and Ms Natasha Nastali.

The Rise of the Dopamine Culture

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Here is a very interesting article on the rise of the dopamine culture in the world.

The author argues that everything is being replaced by mindless and endless scrolling and the effects might prove to be very detrimental for kids and also for adults, at home, at school and at work.

He also argues that people should start raising their voices against the likes of TikTok, Facebook and Instagram (Meta), etc. (and also YouTube (Google)) before it is too late.

My opinion

I’ve always been an adept of long form writing (e.g. this blog and my family blog but also my journal and my Obsidian second brain). I also love having long conversations and debates (ask my friends and family members!).

Therefore, you can easily guess that I am pissed these days by the lack of long interactions. Most just say hello and go back to their phones. Few wants to speak. Few have original thoughts that they want to share with others.

I know teachers are finding it incredibly hard to work with kids today because of their lack of attention span. I also know that businesses are having major issues dealing with their new recruits for similar reasons.

I think that the author is right to say that the only solution is to do a detox from time to time. People need to stop using TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. to watch endless clips, say, during a whole week and this will give their brains time to reset a bit. He writes:

“Unplug yourself from time to time, and start noticing the trees or your goofy pets. They actually look better in real life than in the headset.”

I agree.

What do you think?