By Cherry Oduor
It was a great privilege, as a youth interfaith leader from Mombasa and an active social media influencer at the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, to attend a three-day training on Media and Digital Literacy for Peace organized by UNESCO. The initiative “Social Media for Peace” aims to strengthen society’s resilience against harmful online content while promoting peace through digital platforms. This training offered me valuable insights into differentiating between hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation—three major challenges affecting our digital spaces today.
Figure 1: Fr. Gerald Omunyin National Executive Secretary, Commission for Social Communication, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) at the Faith in the Digital Age Workshop in Machakos County
In our society, many young people, including children, are deeply engaged in technology. Unfortunately, most do not verify what they watch or share. Social media often feels like a “free world” where anything can be posted without considering its impact. Through the training, I also learned that our personal data can be used without our full consent without effective data protection measures, simply because we accept lengthy terms and conditions without reading them.
A major concern raised was the spread of unverified content. Many people post or forward information, images, and videos without fact-checking, unknowingly causing harm. As parents, we also need to be mindful when giving children access to smartphones. They are often exposed to inappropriate or harmful online content, which can affect their moral growth and development.
Figure 2: Imam Salim Charo sharing his experience on balancing freedom of expression with ethical responsibility to address harmful online content
Religious leaders, though playing a vital role in society, are often not heard or consulted. It is time for faith leaders to use their platforms and pulpits to raise awareness, sensitize communities, and guide young people toward responsible digital behavior. They should also be actively involved in policy-making on media and digital platforms to ensure that moral and ethical perspectives are considered.
Furthermore, we must take responsibility in reporting harmful content and promoting digital spaces that foster peace. Religious leaders and youth in interfaith platforms should organize advocacy campaigns, empower communities with fact-checking skills, and protect vulnerable groups online.
As a society, let us commit to spreading peace and positive content online, fact-checking before sharing any information and using social media responsibly and ethically. When we think of our friends, sisters, and neighbors, we should remember that harmful content affects real lives. Together, we can make social media a tool for peace, learning, and positive change.
Representing the IRCK Executive Director in the Workshop was Dr. Edward Nzinga, IRCK Board Member who reiterated the place of faith in digital peacebuilding. Religious leaders in a resolution committed to advocate for the protection of digital rights and for greater accountability from government and social media companies to ensure the safety and dignity of all online users. Further, they agreed to encourage faith communities to embrace honesty and integrity in sharing information both online and offline.
Figure 3: Dr. Edward Nzinga, IRCK Board Member, giving his special remarks during the Workshop in Machakos
“Platform governance is not only technical; it is deeply moral. Religious leaders must guide their congregants to be discerning citizens who promote peace.” – Dr Edward Nzinga, IRCK. https://youtu.be/288udlqEX3I?si=kG6kquSd47hmTsbX showed lessons in identifying harmful content spread online, in particular hate speech inciting violence while protecting freedom of expression and enhancing the promotion of peace through digital technologies, notably social media.
