Social Media Disrupts Traditional Elder Wisdom Transfer in Uganda

In traditional African communities, like the Bakiga in southwestern Uganda, the evening hearth or ekikoome served as a vital space for cultural transmission. Elders gathered children around the fire after sunset, imparting family histories, moral lessons on Ubuntu, practical skills in farming and conflict resolution, and ancestral wisdom through storytelling, proverbs, and songs.

This intimate setting fostered active listening, respect for authority, and a sense of belonging, ensuring cultural continuity grounded in real-life experiences.

Today, platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, and WhatsApp dominate information sharing, especially with Uganda’s booming mobile usage—WhatsApp alone hit 10 million users by September. Yet, these tools fail to replicate the hearth’s role, instead amplifying inexperienced voices over seasoned elders.

Youth now chase viral fame through dances or trendy opinions, gaining massive followership while elders struggle to compete. This reverses traditional dynamics, where grandchildren listened quietly; now, young people publicly correct or mock elders, dismissing their advice as outdated.

Algorithms prioritize charisma and controversy, inflating egos and promoting individualism over humility and community values. Families suffer as screen time replaces shared meals, leading to eroded respect, youth unrest, and a leadership vacuum.

The risk is dire: vital knowledge may vanish with elders if digital spaces aren’t adapted for intergenerational dialogue, like virtual firesides or X Spaces for respectful wisdom-sharing.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda) https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/how-social-media-has-stolen-our-youth-ears-from-elders-5423118