They inform, entertain and connect… but they can also manipulate, divide and expose. In Cameroon, social media now holds a central place in the daily lives of young people. Between learning opportunities, digital entrepreneurship and freedom of expression, these platforms open new horizons. This episode of PasSansElles examined the impact of social media on young people in Cameroon, bringing together entrepreneurs, influencers and journalists.

Participants explained how these platforms allow them to promote their activities, share knowledge, reach a wide audience and build communities. Several examples showed that social media can foster youth expression, support marginalized people and offer economic opportunities.

However, young people point to the main pitfalls: addiction, disinformation, hacking of images and content, social comparison and overexposure of private life. Some speakers regretted that many young people often prioritize purely entertaining content over educational or inspiring material.

Media literacy and responsible use

Guests insisted on 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 main message is that social media are neither good nor bad in themselves: everything depends on how they are used.