Social media has become a dominant force in the lives of Somali youth, offering unprecedented access to information, global connections, and opportunities for self-expression. However, its misuse has given rise to a host of troubling behaviors that are deeply damaging to Somali society. Young people, who make up the majority of the population, have turned social media platforms into battlegrounds for tribal rivalries, personal vendettas, and destructive content.
This misuse not only disrupts social harmony but also undermines the moral and cultural values that have long defined Somali society. Below, we examine how Somali youth are using social media negatively, the harmful content they spread, and it’s devastating impact on individuals and the nation as a whole.
How Somali Youth Are Misusing Social Media
- Clan Fighting and Tribalism
Social media has become a battleground for clan-based rivalries in Somalia. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp are often used to spread inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech that deepens existing divisions.
Mobilization for Violence: Individuals exploit social media to organize and incite clan-based conflicts, leading to deadly confrontations in both rural and urban areas.
Polarization: The constant stream of tribalist propaganda reinforces stereotypes and mistrust between clans, making peacebuilding efforts even more challenging. - Blackmailing and Online Harassment:
Blackmailing has become alarmingly common, with individuals using private information or compromising photos to extort money or favors.
Many Somali women and girls are especially vulnerable to this behavior, with perpetrators exploiting cultural stigmas to shame and silence their victims.
Online harassment, including threats and defamation, has created a toxic digital environment, discouraging positive participation. - Fake News and Misinformation:
Somali youth are prolific creators and sharers of unverified news, rumors, and conspiracy theories.
Misinformation spreads rapidly on WhatsApp Facebook, and TikTok inciting violence, spreading panic, or tarnishing reputations.
From political rumors to false medical advice, this misinformation undermines trust in institutions and fuels social unrest. - Sharing Explicit and Inappropriate Content:
The rise of explicit content on social media is a growing concern, with Somali youth engaging in and sharing videos or images that violate societal norms and values.
This behavior not only damages personal reputations but also contributes to the erosion of Somali cultural and religious principles. - Incitement to Violence:
Social media is increasingly used to mobilize youth for violent activities, including clan-based conflicts.
Posts or videos showcasing grievances often go viral, inciting young people to take physical action against those they asume are their opponents. - Human Trafficking:
- Social media is used by human traffickers to lure young Somalis with false promises of better life abroad, leading to exploitation and abuse.
- Security and Extremism:
- Extremist groups exploit social media to recruit youth, spread propaganda, and instil fear, undermining national security.
- Public Shaming and Trolling:
Many young users take pleasure in humiliating others online through trolling, public shaming, or creating offensive memes.Victims often suffer from mental health issues, with some cases escalating to self-harm or suicide.
The Impact of This misuse Behavior
- Erosion of Social Cohesion:
Hate speech and tribal propaganda deepen divisions within Somali society, making unity and peace more elusive.
Clan rivalries fueled by online content hinder national progress and perpetuate cycles of violence. - Normalization of Tribalism Among Youth:
The youth who make up the majority of Somalia’s population, are impressionable and highly active on social media. Instead of using it to promote unity, many perpetuate tribal divisions by aligning with clan-based narratives.
This behaviour not only deepens societal fractures but also hinders the nation’s path toward reconciliation and development. - Damage to Mental Health:
Victims of blackmail, harassment, and trolling experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.
Constant exposure to negative and divisive content exacerbates mental health challenges among Somali youth. - Undermining Education:
Instead of using social media for educational purposes, Somali youth waste hours on destructive content.
The spread of misinformation undermines critical thinking and creates confusion, particularly among students. - Cultural and Moral Decline:
The normalization of explicit, inappropriate, or hateful content erodes Somali cultural values and traditions.Religious principles that promote peace, unity, and respect are often ignored in the pursuit of likes, shares, or viral fame. - Promotion of Unhealthy Comparisons:
Social media often showcases unrealistic portrayals of success, leaving youngsters feeling inadequate or demotivated about their academic efforts. - Obstruction of National Development:
Divisive and violent content hampers efforts to rebuild Somalia, as it distracts from meaningful dialogue and cooperation.
The youth, who should be at the forefront of progress, are instead engaged in online behaviors that exacerbate societal challenges.
Solutions and wayforward to Address Social Media Misuse - – Digital Literacy Education:
Launch campaigns to teach Somali youth about responsible social media use, focusing on the dangers of hate speech, misinformation, and harassment.
Promote critical thinking skills to help users verify information before sharing it online. - – Enforcing Regulations:
The government, in collaboration with social media platforms, should enforce strict regulations to monitor and remove harmful content. - – Introduce penalties for individuals who engage in blackmail, harassment, or the spread of tribal propaganda.
- – Community Engagement:
Parents, teachers, and religious leaders must play an active role in guiding youth on ethical online behavior. - – Foster open discussions about the negative impact of social media misuse and the importance of promoting unity and respect.
- – Promotion of Positive Content:
Encourage Somali youth to create and share content that highlights cultural heritage, educational initiatives, and success stories.
Platforms can reward constructive contributions to counterbalance the prevalence of negative content. - – Mental Health Support:
Establish resources for individuals affected by online harassment, blackmail, or bullying. - – Raise awareness about the mental health impact of social media misuse and provide counseling services.
- – Religious and Moral Awareness:
Involve religious leaders in spreading messages of unity, peace, and ethical behavior through social media campaigns. - Emphasize the importance of adhering to cultural and moral principles in online interactions.
Conclusion
Social media misuse by Somali youth has become a significant challenge, fostering tribalism, hate, blackmail, and other destructive behaviors. While social media offers immense potential for education, connection, and national development, its irresponsible use threatens to tear apart the very fabric of Somali society.
To address these issues, a collective effort is needed to educate, regulate, and empower Somali youth to use social media as a tool for positive change. By promoting responsible behavior, fostering unity, and supporting mental health, Somalia can reclaim social media as a force for good and ensure that its youth contribute to building a brighter future for the nation.
Eng Mohamed Hurre, Cybersecurity Expert.