By Deborah Naa Aku Allotey
Tema, April 8, GNA – The youth in the Tema metropolis have said social media platforms serve as empowering tools for them, impacting their lives positively.
According to them, social media has become an influence in the lives of young people, shaping their communication, social interactions, and access to information.
They said even though social media had its downsides, it was crucial to acknowledge the positive impacts it had on youth, empowering them to connect, learn, and make a difference in the world.
Mr. Solomon Nii Kpakpo Annang, a Fashion Designer, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that social media provides opportunities for young entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.
“They can use these platforms to connect with customers, promote their products and services, and build their brands,” he said.
Mr. Annang mentioned that social media could be a valuable source of information for young people to access news, educational materials, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Miss Roberta Kwapong, a graduate, stated that social media allows the youth to connect by sharing their interests, passions, and experiences through online communities, discussion engagement, and building networks of support and collaboration.
Ms Kwapong said they provided a platform for young people to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with a wider audience.
“The youth can use these platforms to raise awareness about issues they care about, challenge societal norms, and advocate for change,” she explained.
She added that social media platforms could be used to mobilise young people for civic action by organising protests, rallies, and campaigns to advocate social justice and political change.
Mr. Jefferson Adjei, a Graphic Designer, mentioned that social media served as a source of entertainment to release stress from a long day’s work.
Miss Elizabeth Quansah, a boutique owner, advised that since the youth were deriving some benefits from social media, they should be mindful of its challenges.
She added it presented the youth with challenges such as cyberbullying, misinformation, loss of focus, and privacy concerns; therefore, the youth should limit their overreliance on social media.
GNA
LS/GRB