Tensions Arise: Unveiling the Impact of Social Media on a Complex Society

Saturday, August 12, 2023

Like many aspects of life, technological progress has its pros and cons. Herbert Simon once remarked that technology itself has no moral implications. It expands our thinking and capabilities, and whether we use it for good or bad depends on our character.

A more fitting quote from Bangambiki Habyarimana suggests that as humans become more advanced, their capacity for cruelty becomes even more dangerous. The tragic and senseless conflicts plaguing Somalia serve as evidence of this lethal barbarity.

I believe that the toxic combination of misinformation and disinformation we consume through social media is partly, if not entirely, responsible for the escalating wars and conflicts in our country.

When wars and conflicts become lucrative businesses, they will continue unabated. If a nation loses its consciousness, faith and morality boundaries are breached, and everything becomes normalized. Some people benefit from others’ disasters.

Those who profit from the toxic social media landscape and spread irresponsible misinformation should reflect on their own decency. TikTokers, YouTubers, and Instagrammers who exploit the suffering of their own people for a few bucks should be ashamed. The same goes for those seeking fame and notoriety on the internet.

Words like “share,” “subscribe,” and “click like” have become commonplace in our daily vernacular. As a result, we unintentionally propagate fake news without considering the consequences.

The Somali people’s insane consumption of social media feeds can be attributed to a combination of barbarism and illiteracy. These two factors intertwine and explain why we take pleasure in watching and listening to fellow countrymen bragging about committing violent acts. It is a well-known fact that only barbaric societies engage in such senseless cruelty.

Media literacy is crucial in today’s world, and the digital media revolution has played a significant role in its development. In an oral society prone to brutality and plagued by tribalism, the spread of violence is like wildfire. It is undeniable that Somalis prioritize loyalty to their tribes above all else.

Alireza Salehi Nejad introduces the concept of metaliteracy, which encompasses critical thinking and proficiency in comprehending data, information, visuals, and media in technology-mediated settings. This notion emphasizes the importance of media literacy in our interactions and connections with others. Without this literacy, we regress into barbarism in today’s postmodern world.

One might question why the learned and literate Somali diaspora communities still contribute to the hostilities and ongoing wars. This could be explained by the collective post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from prolonged civil wars and conflicts. Even those who sought refuge in North America and Europe are not immune to this trauma.

PTSD and other ailments require appropriate remedies. The Somali people need collective healing, which can be found in the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (SAW). Allah instructs us to cooperate in goodness and righteousness and to avoid sin and transgressions.

There is no better solution for our problems than what Allah has prescribed for us. In conclusion, those who spread misinformation and disinformation for personal gain, along with those who exploit incitement and degrading language for riches, fame, or notoriety, should contemplate their actions. In the end, everyone will be held accountable for their deeds.

May Allah alleviate the suffering of our people and guide us on the right path. Ameen.

Mohamed A. Suleiman is an educator living in Canada. Contact him at: