INVESTIGATION INTO THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUTHS IN GARISSA TOWNSHIP SUB COUNTY, GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Garissa Township Sub County with a significant population of Muslim youths considers Da’wah as an important content in their life. However, a study by the Garissa Islamic Preachers showed that performance of religious activities in the world is a challenge. In Kenya the religious organizations developed a number of mechanisms to downsize the impacts of these selected social Media. The study aims to ascertain the negative effects of a few social media sites on the youths in Garissa Township, Sub County. The study employed social need theory. The target audience for this study includes academics, zealots of various religions, and some young Muslims. The study's primary sources accounted for the vast majority of its data. The study's sample size of 100 respondents was determined using a straightforward random sampling approach. The aforementioned number of respondents were surveyed and interviewed for data. The study found that social media has negatively impacted youth in Garissa Township. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have led youths to prioritize status updates over attending school or Madrassa. The study concluded that social media has significantly impacted Muslim youth in Garissa Township, diverting them from religious duties, including Da’wah and Islamic education. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have eroded youth morals, encouraging negative behaviors such as sharing inappropriate content. The study recommends that parents monitor youths’ social media use, delaying access to electronic devices until they complete education.