Author: Chuol Jany, Chairperson National Editor’ Forum
In today’s digital era in South Sudan, mobile phones and social media have rapidly transformed how people live, communicate, and learn. Across cities like Juba and even in rural areas where traditional infrastructure is limited, the mobile phone has become the primary gateway to the modern world.
It connects families across distances, enables access to news, education, and business opportunities, and gives young people a voice in national and global conversations. In many parts of Africa, where formal systems can be weak or uneven, mobile technology has helped bridge gaps supporting mobile banking, online learning, and entrepreneurship in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago.
Yet this digital expansion comes with complex consequences. While connectivity has increased, meaningful face-to-face conversations within families and communities are quietly declining. In South Sudanese culture, storytelling, communal dialogue, and shared experiences have always been central to social life.
Today, many young people spend hours scrolling through social media, often replacing real interaction with virtual engagement. This shift risks weakening cultural bonds and reducing opportunities for intergenerational learning.
Another growing concern is the decline in reading culture. Instead of engaging with books, newspapers, or long-form educational materials, many users prefer short, fast-moving content videos, memes, and brief posts. This pattern, seen across much of Africa, can limit critical thinking, reduce attention spans, and affect academic development. The overreliance on quick digital content may create a generation that consumes information rapidly but reflects on it less deeply.
In my personal experience, my friends and I often gather in one place sharing meals or conversations that reflect our cultural values of face-to-face connection, discussing important matters and personal growth. Yet it rarely takes even ten minutes before one of us is pulled away by a mobile phone replying to a text or answering a call disrupting the moment for others. That is the world we live in today, and I believe many of you can relate to the same experience.
The debate sparked by recent remarks from a senior presidential advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk who described young people as “lazy”and the response by ICT Minister Hon. Ateny Week Ateny highlights a deeper national tension. On one side, there is concern that youth are not engaging productively in the economy; on the other, recognition that many young people are hardworking but lack opportunities.
In South Sudan, access to the internet comes at a high cost, yet the returns for many users remain very low. For most people, especially young people, staying connected means buying mobile data daily. The price of 1GB of data ranges between 5,000 and 10,000 South Sudanese Pounds, a cost that is significant in a country where many struggle to meet basic needs. Despite this, thousands continue to spend on data, driven by the desire to stay informed, entertained, and socially connected.
However, unlike in many other parts of the world, social media use in South Sudan is rarely monetized. Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are widely used, but only a small number of individuals often influencers, media personalities, or those with external connections can generate income from their online presence. For the majority, time spent online does not translate into financial gain or tangible opportunities.
In response to the high cost of data, some telecom companies have introduced social media bundles cheaper packages that allow access to selected platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger.
These bundles are designed to match the needs and budgets of young users, making it easier for them to stay connected. While this is a positive step, it also has limitations. These bundles often restrict access to broader internet resources such as educational websites, job portals, and research platforms, thereby narrowing how the internet is used.
As a result, many young people find themselves spending money on data primarily for social interaction and entertainment, with limited benefits in terms of education, skills development, or income generation.
The imbalance between the cost of connectivity and the value gained raises important concerns. Without broader digital opportunities, affordable full internet access, and systems that support online income generation, mobile data risks becoming more of a financial burden than a tool for empowerment.
Technology sits at the center of this debate. While it can empower productivity, it can also become a tool for distraction when economic hardship leaves youth with few alternatives. In a country where unemployment is high, many young people turn to their phones not out of laziness, but to cope with limited options watching content, browsing social media, or seeking opportunities that may not materialize.
This situation differs in important ways from Western countries. In many developed nations, internet use is often tied to structured systems remote work, formal education platforms, and regulated digital economies. In contrast, in South Sudan and much of Africa, online activity is more informal and less supported by stable infrastructure or policy frameworks.
Data costs, unreliable electricity, and limited digital literacy can shape how people engage online, often pushing users toward entertainment rather than productive or educational use.
Excessive use of mobile phones also raises serious health concerns. Spending long hours online can lead to eye strain, poor sleep patterns, reduced physical activity, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and social isolation. For young people especially, constant exposure to social media can create unrealistic expectations, comparison pressures, and a sense of disconnection from real-life achievements.
Despite these challenges, the solution is not to reject technology, but to use it more intentionally and responsibly. South Sudan and Africa more broadly can take several steps to strike a better balance:
First, digital literacy programs should be strengthened. Young people need guidance on how to use the internet productively earning skills such as online research, digital entrepreneurship, and responsible use of tools like artificial intelligence.
Second, governments and private sectors must create more opportunities for youth employment and innovation. When young people have meaningful work or business prospects, they are more likely to use technology as a tool for growth rather than escape.
Third, families and communities should encourage balanced lifestyles. Setting boundaries for screen time, promoting reading habits, and maintaining traditional social practices can help preserve cultural values while embracing modern tools.
Fourth, investment in education both online and offline is essential. Making quality educational content accessible and affordable can redirect mobile phone usage toward learning and self-improvement.
Finally, public awareness about health risks associated with excessive screen time should be increased, encouraging physical activity and real-world engagement.
In conclusion, mobile phones and social media are powerful tools shaping South Sudan’s future. They are neither purely harmful nor entirely beneficial their impact depends on how they are used.
The current debate about youth behavior should not simply label young people as lazy, but rather examine the broader economic, social, and technological context influencing their lives.
By promoting responsible digital use, expanding opportunities, and preserving community values, South Sudan can harness technology to empower its youth rather than limit them.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, Chuol Jany, Chairperson of the National Editors’ Forum and Chief Editor of the Catholic Radio Network. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of any affiliated institutions or organizations. E-mailchuoljaany@gmail.com
