A Comprehensive Review of the Experience of Jigjiga Youths

Jigjiga, the vibrant capital of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, boasts a rapidly growing, tech-savvy youth population. Over the last decade, the advent of affordable smartphones, expanding 4G networks, and competitive telecom data packages has revolutionized communication, learning, and leisure. Social media platforms—such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Telegram—have become essential for how Jigjiga’s young people connect with the wider world.

While these platforms can serve as tools for education, creativity, and civic engagement, a behavioral pattern known as aimless scrolling (also referred to as mindless browsing or doomscrolling) has emerged. This behavior entails browsing social feeds without a clear objective or time limit, often lasting for hours.

This review explores both the positive and negative influences of aimless scrolling, drawing on local observations, regional research, and community perspectives to illustrate its impact on the psychological, cognitive, and social landscape of Jigjiga’s youth.

1. Positive Influences of Aimless Scrolling

Although “aimless” suggests a lack of purpose, this experience is not uniformly detrimental. When viewed through a broader developmental and cultural lens, several potential benefits arise.

1.1 Incidental Learning and Awareness

Exposure to Global Ideas: Even without a specific goal, youth encounter diverse cultures, scientific facts, and world events. Informal learning occurs when users stumble upon health tips, language lessons, or news updates.

Civic and Political Awareness: During national elections or local policy debates, many Jigjiga youths discover political discussions through passive browsing, which can enhance civic engagement.

1.2 Emotional Relief and Stress Reduction

Temporary Escapism: For students dealing with exam stress or unemployment, scrolling through humorous videos or inspirational posts can provide short-term relaxation.

Community Belonging: Group chats and shared memes foster a sense of solidarity and connection, particularly for those who feel isolated.

1.3 Creative Inspiration

Artists, writers, and aspiring entrepreneurs in Jigjiga often find unexpected inspiration from the visual and cultural diversity encountered during casual browsing. Exposure to international trends can spark new business ideas, fashion designs, or digital art projects.

2. Negative Influences of Aimless Scrolling

Despite these benefits, extensive research and local testimonies indicate that the negative impacts of habitual and uncontrolled scrolling often outweigh the positives.

2.1 Psychological and Emotional CostsAnxiety, Depression, and FOMO

Health professionals in Jigjiga clinics report an increase in anxiety and low mood among young clients who spend excessive time on social media feeds.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Observing peers highlight their lives creates pressure to keep up, leading to restlessness and self-doubt.

Comparison Trap: Curated images of success and beauty amplify feelings of inadequacy.

Addictive Patterns and Sleep Disruption

Compulsive Checking: The infinite scroll and algorithm-driven recommendations create a cycle similar to gambling, making it difficult to stop.

Nighttime Data Packages: Affordable late-night internet deals promote prolonged nighttime use, disrupting sleep and natural circadian rhythms.

2.2 Cognitive and Academic EffectsReduced Attention Span

Constant exposure to rapidly shifting micro-content trains the brain to expect quick stimuli, diminishing the ability to focus on prolonged tasks such as reading textbooks or writing essays.

Memory Fragmentation and Shallow Learning

Short clips and rapid posts overload short-term memory, hindering the deeper processing necessary for critical thinking and long-term retention.

Academic Underperformance

Preliminary surveys in local high schools and Jigjiga University reveal that students who spend more than four hours daily on purposeless browsing tend to have lower grades and frequently miss deadlines.

2.3 Social and Cultural Consequences

Diminished Face-to-Face Interaction

Traditional Somali gatherings, such as tea-time chats and shir meetings, are increasingly disrupted by phone use. Family elders express concerns that genuine interpersonal connections are weakening.

Productivity Loss

Entrepreneurs and students often acknowledge losing substantial work time to “just a few minutes” of scrolling, which can easily extend into hours.

Cultural Tension

While heavy exposure to foreign trends can broaden perspectives, it may also challenge local customs, leading some youths to adopt behaviors or attire that clash with community expectations.

Local Factors Amplifying the Effects in Jigjiga

Affordable Mobile Data & Night Bundles: Telecom offers make extensive browsing inexpensive and appealing.

Limited Recreational Spaces: The scarcity of public libraries, sports facilities, and art centers drives youths toward digital entertainment.

Youth Unemployment: Idle time and economic frustration create fertile ground for excessive social media use.

Peer Influence: Being “always online” is increasingly perceived as a social norm, heightening the pressure to remain connected.

Strategies for Balance

4.1 Individual Level

Intentional Use: Set specific goals before accessing apps, and utilize app timers or “focus mode” features.

Mindful Breaks: Substitute idle scrolling with walks, reading, or face-to-face interactions.

4.2 Family and Community

Role Modeling: Parents and older siblings can demonstrate balanced use and organize phone-free gatherings.

Community Activities: Youth clubs, sports leagues, and art programs offer meaningful offline alternatives.

4.3 Institutional and Policy Interventions

Digital Literacy Education: Schools and universities should integrate courses on digital wellness and media literacy.

Partnership with Telecom Providers: Encourage data packages that support educational platforms and limit push notifications during late hours.

Overall Conclusion

Aimless social media scrolling among Jigjiga youths represents a double-edged phenomenon. On the positive side, it can facilitate incidental learning, ignite creativity, and provide temporary emotional relief. It offers exposure to global ideas, fosters digital familiarity, and can even enhance civic awareness through encounters with news or social movements.

However, the negative impacts are more profound and enduring. Unchecked scrolling can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances; it fragments attention and undermines academic performance; it weakens face-to-face relationships while subtly reshaping cultural norms. Local factors—affordable data bundles, limited recreational options, high youth unemployment, and strong peer pressure—intensify these effects in Jigjiga.

To harness the benefits while mitigating the harms, a layered response is essential:

Individuals must engage in mindful use, setting personal limits and cultivating offline hobbies.

Families and community leaders can revive traditional gatherings and offer structured alternatives, such as sports and arts programs.

Educational institutions should incorporate digital wellness and critical media literacy into curricula.

Policy makers and telecom providers can collaborate to create youth-friendly data plans and awareness campaigns.

Only through this combined approach can Jigjiga embrace the advantages of digital connectivity while safeguarding its young generation from the subtle yet significant risks of aimless social media scrolling.

Mohamed is based in Jigjiga, Somali Region, He is Admas University Alumnus. Somaliland, Hargeisa Branch.He is an MBA holder, and wrote hundreds of scholarly articles, essays and conducted researches. He is small business owner and university lecturer. He can be reached at: Xareedmo45@gmail.com