On September 29, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed the issue of social media usage during the installation of the Senegalese Youth Consultative Council (CCJS) at the Grand Théâtre de Dakar. He emphasized the need for young people to be more responsible, restrained, and critically engaged when using digital platforms. The president's message comes at a time when mobile phones have become an essential tool for many young Senegalese, serving as a source of information, a space for debate, a work tool, and sometimes a platform for violent confrontations.
The CCJS was established by decree in December 2025 to replace the National Youth Council, with the aim of providing a framework for dialogue and consultation between young people and public authorities. During the ceremony, President Faye encouraged young people to take responsibility for their use of digital technology. He denounced the behavior of those who use the distance created by screens to make comments they would not make in face-to-face conversations.
President Faye specifically mentioned TikTok, Telegram, and Instagram, stating that excessive use of these platforms can be time-consuming and often lacks a specific learning or research objective. However, he also emphasized the importance of young people mastering new technologies, including artificial intelligence, while maintaining human and ethical benchmarks. The president's speech highlights the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with responsibility on social media.
The issue of social media usage and its impact on society is not new in Senegal. In 2022, former President Macky Sall noted that social media platforms should not be allowed to operate outside the law and called for greater accountability from large platforms. The current debate is centered on the need for young people to develop critical thinking and distinguish between reliable information and rumors.
Professor Mary Teuw Niane recently wrote a tribune highlighting the risks associated with social media, including manipulation, hate speech, and disinformation. He urged young people to use their phones as "windows to the world, not prisons for our consciences." This sentiment aligns with President Faye's call for responsible social media usage.
The Senegalese government is seeking to promote a culture of responsible social media usage, particularly among young people. President Faye's speech is part of a broader effort to address the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technology. The government aims to create a safe and informed online environment that promotes critical thinking and respectful dialogue.
The conversation around social media usage in Senegal is ongoing, with various stakeholders contributing to the debate. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of digital technology, President Faye's message serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible social media usage and the need for young people to be critically engaged online.
Key points
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urges young people to use social media responsibly and critically.
