Lao PM urges youth to use social media carefully

Lao Prime Minister (PM) Thongloun Sisoulith on Wednesday urged young people to be careful when using social media.

"Social media can have both positive and negative effects on young people. If we know how to use it properly, it can bring positive effects to ourselves. However, if we don't know how to use it properly, it can cause negative effects. Especially when it comes to the use of Facebook," the PM told a gathering of members of youth organizations in capital Vientiane to mark the 71st anniversary of National Independence Day.

Social media, and especially Facebook, is very popular, mostly among Lao young people. With its existence, the exchange of information has rocketed and imposed challenges for conventional media such as television, radio and newspapers. Yet the use of Facebook in positive and ethical ways is strongly encouraged, quoted Lao state-run news agency KPL.

"The challenges include the consumption of information without discretion or being benighted by propagation by outlaw people through means of media and especially social media," said the PM.

Earlier in July, the Lao PM has called on the country's regulatory authorities to improve management of social media for constructive and ethical use as a "global library and knowledge hub" for the benefit of the nation and its youth.

(APD)