BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Globalization has allowed global community to access information and innovations so easily from every corner of the planet. Particularly, the emergence of social media has dramatically impacted the socio-cultural and political activists of the world.
However, depending on the use and nature of the technology, some youth have benefited out of it. On the other hand, several of them have become prisoners of their own cellphones.
Several sources indicate that due to excessive use of social media, the youths are exposed to depression, stress, social alienation and other related challenges. The hope of most youth has darkened due to the fake news or immoral videos that are consistently shared via social media.
Absences of mechanisms or technologies to monitor youth from undesirable information and posts that are disseminated by irresponsible entities are corrupting the integrity of the younger generations.
In developing countries like Ethiopia, social media has exposed the youth to Western culture and it has also become a weapon to rebellion groups that use the media to promote their own mean purpose. The recent experience of Ethiopia is a good example in this regard.
Liyuneh Tamirat, is the President of Inspired Ethiopia Association. According to him, both hope and hopelessness are found in the hands of a person; and the exposure that particular person has to his/her environment. In this globalized world, social media has a direct impact and influence on the character of the youth. Thus, reversing the adverse impact to the good one must be given due attention.Tesfa Ethiopia is one of the programs of Inspire Ethiopia. Using social media the program works aggressively to help the youth.
Unexaggeratedly, now every individual has access to both good and bad information through social media. Due to this, the previous culture of the society is being contaminated with the new one. The culture of tolerance, togetherness, love and other valuable assets are getting eroded.
This is a time where selfishness is being preached at the top of selflessness. Greed is propagated at the expense of generosity. Hopelessness is being promoted at the expense of hope. To curb this, Tesfa Ethiopia together with stakeholders is doing its level best to alter the situation. Social media may have affected the youth negatively but we can also use it to reverse the situation.
The new Ethiopia needs visionary youths who are not prone to fake news. This country needs committed youth who inspire others for good. The active participation of the youth and other members of the society have a potential to alter this situation. Creating responsible citizens who share information on social media responsibly is one of the targets of Tesfa Ethiopia.
The past mistakes that are caused by inappropriate information must be reversed. Unwise use of social media has negatively affected the mindset of the youth; it has distorted the good values we used to have. In this regard, the organization is working aggressively to shape and boost the minds of the youth, mainly through providing trainings and sharing life experiences. “Using available resources we are trying all our best to inject the mind of the youth with positive thoughts.”
The aspiration of the country is interrelated with the vision of the youth. Individual with a vision has a guide line to his/her life. A youth with a vision knows his/her destination. This is what the new Ethiopia needs. Having a responsible citizen who is not guided by emotion but reason can build a strong nation.As to Liyuneh, since Tesfa Ethiopia has become operational, several youths have benefitted and positive results are being witnessed.
Confirming Liyuneh`s view, Oxfam Ethiopia Country Director, Gezahegn Kebede (PhD) said, supporting the youth and directing them to the right direction should not be left only to the government or a single institution. It must be the responsibility of every individual and sector. That is why Oxfam Ethiopia is supporting the effort of Tesfa Ethiopia. He said, absence of proper knowledge on the use of social media has affected the youth.
To change the situation and get back misguided youths to the right track, all available resources must be used.Building a strong nation depends on the healthy mindset of its youth. The more the nation has unhealthy youth, the more its future will be at stake. A youth that knows how to identify the right information from the wrong one is truly visionary. In this respect, active engagement of every individual and sector saves the youth from the snare of technology.
The Ethiopian Herald April 15/2022
