The Use of Information and Communication Technology and Cultural Cannibalization of the Igbos: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

The research takes a reflective look into cultural cannibalization which describes the influence one culture has over another culture. It seeks to x-ray different aspects of the Igbo culture which have been compromised, influenced, or totally subsumed by another culture which is superior. A descriptive survey was carried out in five different states of the Igbo land. By employing convenience sampling technique, 100 respondents were selected with 20 respondents from each of the five states of the Southeastern part of Nigeria which is the native land of the Igbos. The result was critically analyzed to ascertain how cultural cannibalization and ICT usage are correlated. It was observed that the cultural values of the Igbos such as language, respect for elders, marriage and family, sanctity of life, food, modesty in dressing, religious allegiance to their deities, farming, craft, trade, traditional governance and justice have been cannibalized in one way or the other with worship of deities, educational system and language being the mostly cannibalized culture with a percentage of 92, 90 and 82 respectively. While some of these aspects of culture that have been cannibalized has led to improved style of living, it poses a danger of not sustaining the cultural identity of the Igbos hence the need to come out of this perennial problem and foster cultural sustainability and self confidence in the Igbo Nation.