Cameroon’s youth online: a double-edged sword or a digital trap?

What is really at stake for young Cameroonians on social media?

Social media informs, entertains, and connects people — but it can also manipulate, divide, and expose. In Cameroon, these platforms have become an unavoidable part of daily life for young people. They open doors to learning opportunities, digital entrepreneurship, and free expression. Yet the same tools carry serious risks. In a recent edition of the program #PasSansElles, young entrepreneurs, influencers, and journalists came together to discuss how social media is shaping the lives of Cameroon’s youth.

The benefits young people refuse to give up

Participants described how platforms help them promote their businesses, share knowledge, reach a wide audience, and build communities. Several concrete examples showed that social media can amplify young voices, support marginalized groups, and create real economic opportunities. For many, these digital spaces have become a launchpad for personal and professional growth.

The hidden costs they can no longer ignore

But the same young people are quick to point out the downsides: addiction, misinformation, image and content theft, social comparison, and the overexposure of private life. Some speakers expressed frustration that many youths gravitate toward purely entertaining content, neglecting educational or inspiring material. The stakes are high — especially when the line between connection and exploitation blurs.

The urgent call for media literacy

The guests stressed the need for digital education and responsible, conscious use of social media. They also emphasized the importance of developing critical thinking when faced with online information and content. Their core message was clear: social media is neither good nor bad in itself — everything depends on how it is used. The real question for Cameroon’s youth is not whether to engage, but how to do so without losing themselves in the process.

By Marguerite Ndongo — Political and Security Analyst