Young Cameroonians take the floor in #PSE to discuss social media’s real impact
Social platforms inform, entertain, and connect people — but they can also manipulate, divide, and expose users. In Cameroon, social media now holds an unshakable place in the daily lives of young people. From learning opportunities and digital entrepreneurship to freedom of expression, these platforms open new horizons.
This edition of #PasSansElles focused on the impact of social media on young people in Cameroon, bringing together entrepreneurs, influencers, and journalists.
Participants explained how these platforms help them promote their activities, share knowledge, reach a wide audience, and build communities. Several examples showed that social media can encourage young people’s expression, support marginalized individuals, and provide economic opportunities.
Key risks young users face
However, the youth also pointed out the main pitfalls: addiction, disinformation, image and content theft, social comparison, and overexposure of private life. Some speakers lamented that many young people often favor purely entertaining content over educational or inspiring material.
Media literacy as a necessary response
Guests stressed the need for digital education, responsible and conscious use of social media, and the importance of developing critical thinking toward information and content shared online. Their core message: social media is neither good nor bad in itself — everything depends on how it is used.
