Isatou Ceesay

Story: “Behind the Screen: Stories of Triumph and Struggle in the Age of Social Media” explores how digital platforms are reshaping lives in The Gambia and beyond. In a world where global conversations often reduce social media to numbers, followers, likes, and statistics, this story shifts the focus to the people behind the screens, giving voice to their lived experiences. Through diverse personal accounts, the piece captures the dual nature of social media’s impact. It highlights the inspiring journey of a Gambian TikToker who transformed creativity into a livelihood and a passport to the world, while also revealing the everyday challenges of students whose studies are disrupted by the pull of online trends. Educators and experts add critical perspectives, unpacking the social, cultural, and ethical dilemmas that accompany digital life in a rapidly changing society. By weaving these narratives together, the story moves beyond the surface to show both triumphs and struggles, creativity and opportunity alongside distraction and risk. It brings a human-centered lens to a subject that remains underexplored in Gambian media, urging readers to reflect on the role of social media in shaping identity, opportunity, and responsibility in today’s world.

Published in: October 28, 2025