Conference Paper

Digital Communication and Global Interaction: Overcoming Linguistic Barriers and Accessibility Challenges in Ogun State

Abstract Online communication platforms have revolutionized communication on a global level, increasing efficiency in business, education, and cross-cultural interactions. However, their effectiveness is dependent on technological accessibility, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, misinformation, and language barriers. This study investigates the place of digital platforms in communication and the issues faced by multilingual people in Ogun State, Nigeria, where English dominates digital media. Survey results indicate that 87% of the respondents acknowledged the advantages of real-time digital communication, but 68% mentioned digital disparity, especially in rural regions with poor internet connectivity. In the corporate world, 90% of professionals utilized digital tools for collaboration, but 40% of SMEs were challenged by multilingual interaction. In education, although 80% of students were helped by digital learning, 35% were hindered by understanding due to English language limitations. Also, 55% of respondents got misinformation on social media, with Yoruba versions of political and health-related misinformation shaping public opinion. The research identifies trends such as AI-based translation software and Virtual Reality (VR) communication, with 75% of the respondents agreeing that AI-based multilingual systems will improve global interactions. Nevertheless, worries still exist about translation accuracy, cultural aspects, and inclusivity for Yoruba speakers. The research calls for the use of AI-improved translation models, multilingual cyber awareness, and digitally native interfaces that are localized in order to bridge language gaps in business, education, and cyber security. Solving these issues will create inclusive, accessible, and efficient digital communication in an increasingly dynamic global environment. Keywords: Digital communication, multilingual accessibility, cybersecurity, misinformation, AI translation, linguistic barriers.