SOCIAL MEDIA- GOOD OR BAD EXPOSURE FOR US?
Xaviera Ajimuda
INTRODUCTION
As technology becomes widespread, many teenagers and youth like me become exposed to diverse electronic media and platforms. Some of these platforms, if not properly handled can become a source of addiction, misuse and abuse.
The advent of social media has fundamentally changed the way we relate, socialize and communicate with each other. Thanks to the creativity of men and women who took the internet and communication technology to a higher level.
The use of social media is no doubt, an important vehicle for promoting social cohesion, mobilization and other noble and worthy causes. Like every good thing in life, the devil is always ready to corrupt and take advantage of man’s beneficial and creative ingenuity. That is why we should be careful as we use these technologies.
Today, the world is filled with stories of high incidence of teens and youths abusing alcohol, drugs and addictive substances as a result of negative influence of social media. Substance abuse is one huge social problem confronting us as youths and teenagers today.
Other downside of social media abuse is the occurrence of cyber-bulling, strife, peer pressure and competition among the youths. Youths and teenagers compete with each other for various reasons. They compete without even realizing it. Many youths compete to gain fame, recognition and advantage above their peers or boost their ego. Competition, in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. It becomes a concern when youth and teenagers compete with others in a manner that put their lives at risk. Peer pressure or unhealthy competition for example may lead to jealousy – a vicious circle of bitterness, anger, covetousness and other evil things.
Lack of contentment has led many to engage in blood rituals, fraud and dishonest practices.
We need to be careful how we use social media. It can add value to our lives because of the loads of intelligent information we can access online. However; if put to a negative use; the social media can destroy lives easily. Watch what you see!
Friends, let us follow biblical advice/godly counsel in Psalm 119: 37 “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity and quicken thou me in thy way” and in 1 John 2:15-16 which says “Love not the world ……, for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Doing the right thing is about making right choices; make the right choice for your life.
