The Ethical Challenges Of Digital Storytelling Among Young People In Ghana: A Study Of UniMAC Students

Abstract

This study examined the ethical challenges of digital storytelling among students of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC). A quantitative research design was employed. The data collection instrument used a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from 200 students at UniMAC through a convenience sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho correlation and quantile regression. The results indicated that students at UniMAC possessed moderate to high levels of digital literacy. The respondents demonstrated competence in creating multimedia content, evaluating online information, and collaborating digitally. However, the study also revealed gaps in ethical awareness, as some students struggled to apply sound judgement when using or sharing digital content. Furthermore, common issues such as misinformation, and privacy breaches suggested an imbalance between technical skills and ethical understanding. The analysis also showed a strong positive relationship (ρ = 0.601, p < 0.01) between digital literacy competence and ethical sensitivity in digital storytelling. Students with higher levels of digital literacy demonstrated stronger adherence to ethical standards relating to authorship, consent, and cultural representation. These findings indicate that digital competence not only enhances technical skill but also informs ethical judgement. It is recommended that digital literacy curricula in higher education incorporate explicit ethical training to strengthen students’ understanding of digital authorship, privacy, and responsible storytelling. Institutions should also establish ethical guidelines and reflective learning frameworks to ensure that digital storytelling remains both innovative and ethically grounded. Keywords: Digital Storytelling, Ethical Challenges, Digital Literacy, Higher Education, UniMAC, Authorship, Data Privacy, Ethical Sensitivity