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Leaders in Homa Bay County want youth to stop using social media as a tool for insults and hatred.
The digital technology is considered a source of livelihood if utilised appropriately. The technology can be used to earn a living or enhance communication to create enabling environment for wealth creation.
Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara, Kojwach MCA Joan Ogada and Homa County Government Director of Education Rachel Ogutu expressed concerns over a number of youth who use social media for hurling insults.
Speaking at Kakelo Primary School during a tournament she organised to nurture talent of young people in the area, Obara said the digital technology can cause a serious harm if used inappropriately.
She said the country's economy is metamorphosing to digital technology, hence the need to use it judiciously. The MP argued that the economic aspirations of the country can only be achieved through proper use the digital technology.
" The digital technology is very important. The social media platforms such as Facebook, X, WhatsApp, Instagram and others are very significant but only if they are used for the right purpose," Dr Obara said.
She told them to avoid cyber crime in the use of social media.
The MP argued that the misuse of digital technology can land someone in serious legal issues.
"Let our young people know that there are laws governing the use of social media. Using social media to defame people can make lead to one's imprisonment," Dr Obara said.
She said the digital technology should only be used for positive communication, e-commerce and online jobs. The MP said doing so will enable young people to earn a living.
"Let us focus our energy in using social media and the digital technology for income generation," she added.
She argued negative social media posts can deny someone a job.
"Our youth should know that what they post in social media can damage their reputations during a job interview. Let them be cautious," she added.
Ogada expressed concerns that a number young people are incited by politicians to use social media in insulting their opponents.
She said such youth are ruining their lives.
"There are young people who take advantage of of social media to insult people because they have been incited by politicians. That is wrong because they are ruining their future,"Ogada said.
Ogutu told the youth to use social media in a responsible manner.
"Let them use social media responsibility. They should avoid using them negatively," Ogada said.
The leaders emphasized the significance of holding the sporting events saying they nurture talent of young people besides uniting residents.
