GROWING up in the digital age has given youths increased expectations for transparency and accountability in the government and political process.

Social media expert Ruici Tio said youths, including those in Fiji, had access to vast information through the internet and may never experience a world without internet.

Mr Tio, who is the head of innovation with Bangkok Communications company Love Frankie, was in Suva as part of the Valuing Voices advocacy project implemented by the British Council and Save the Children.

“I’m still learning about the digital context in Fiji but one of the key similarities, with many countries in Asia, is that it’s a mobile first market and this means people’s first exposure and use of the internet is through a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.

“I feel like marketers have long realised that youth voices matter, especially youths being the next generation of consumers. I think those working in governance or development need to put the same emphasis on youth as the next generation of leaders, activists, artists, and engaged citizens.

“We’ve seen in the last few years that a connected world can also accelerate social and environmental problems, from climate change to migration crisis and violent extremism,” he said.

Mr Tio said the biggest strength of social media was that it gave a voice to marginalised groups of society.

“In the past, a group with limited resources would have to organise a protest or get the attention of mass media, to be heard.”