Entangling the “web” of social media among the youth.

In an age where connection is at our fingertips, the pervasive influence of social media on our lives has become undeniable.

This virtual realm once hailed as a revolution in communication, now stands at a crossroads, raising questions about its profound effects on individuals and society as a whole.

As the virtual landscape expands exponentially, so does our reliance on social media platforms to foster relationships, share experiences, and seek validation. The allure of likes, retweets, and shares can create an addictive loop, leading some to question their self-worth in the face of a digital popularity contest.

Social media influence runs deeper than personal insecurities. The echo chambers formed by algorithm-driven content curation have polarized societies, amplified extreme beliefs and diminished meaningful dialogue.

The constant barrage of curated content can also take a toll on mental health. The idealized versions of people's lives presented on social media can foster feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, contributing to the rise of anxiety and depression among users. Cyberbullying, too, has taken on new and more sinister forms, hiding behind anonymous profiles and causing real-world harm.

According to data reportal data published in the ad planning tools of top social media platforms indicates that there were 10.15 million users aged 18 and above using social media in Kenya at the start of 2023, which was equivalent to 33.6 per cent of the total population aged 18 and above at that time.

More broadly, 59.1 per cent of Kenya’s total internet user base (regardless of age) used at least one social media platform in January 2023.

At that time, 44.3 per cent of Kenya’s social media users were female, while 55.7 per cent were male.

Unproductive use of social media has led to many of the youth being idle and also led some to want to fit in modern society.

Rhoda Nyambura is one of the youths that unproductive use of social media led her to be idle and even at times not completing her school assignments.

“I became addicted to social media to the point of not even doing my assignments, sometimes I would burn food just because I was so much drained on Twitter or even Tik Tok,” Nyambura told Citizen Digital.

Yet again, social media has not been without positive impact. It has proven instrumental in raising awareness about pressing social issues and facilitating social movements. From Me Too to climate activism, these digital platforms have empowered individuals to unite their voices and effect change.

Social media has also helped a lot of people to sell their products online, this is with no charges whatsoever. Marion Kavata who is a student at KCA University says that social media has helped her to grow her business, especially Tik Tok which is one of the applications that is mostly used by the youth in Kenya.

“Social media has helped me positively connect with my customers,” Marion told us in an interview.

Marion encourages the youth to showcase their talents on social media platforms to avoid idleness and benefit from social media positively.

“Social media can be a very good space if one uses it to benefit him/herself in future,” Marion added.

Dr. Geoffry Wango, who is a counselling psychologist says that it is very important for one to balance social media platforms and also education to avoid laziness and idleness.

“It is very nice to balance social media and education because it also has its benefits,” Wango said.

“Social media can be very addictive and can lead to youths comparing themselves to others that they see on the platforms,” Wango added.

Looking ahead, society must grapple with finding a balance between harnessing the potential of social media for good while mitigating its detrimental effects. Transparency in content curation algorithms, responsible use of data, and user education on media literacy are crucial steps towards a more informed and discerning digital community.