Social media seems to be the new world today; it is the first point of breaking news and a source of information and marketing but it has also become a landmine that requires care to navigate because it is not a place for people who are weak-minded and extremely emotional, as it may be the trigger that will push them off the edge.
While social media is not bad as a platform as it has many advantages; it has made the world a global village in all ramifications, helped many with little or no funds to build their businesses and reach a wider market and has been the source where some get ideas to build a livelihood.
The benefits of using social media are enormous. It helps us connect with people we wouldn’t ever meet across diverse geographical locations and expose people to more of the world than their experience had allowed and for entrepreneurs, it is a platform to expand their horizon, sell themselves and reach a wider audience to boost sales.
But the way it is being used and what many have turned social media especially facebook, Instagram and twitter into, makes it a platform where one must have a mind of his own so as not to join the bandwagon of people looking for love from people that do not care.
The level of toxicity on social media platforms is extremely high and this has caused harm to many; peoples’ mental health had deteriorated from bad comments from trolls whose existence seems to feed on negative vibes. There is no respect or empathy, people seem to think the greater the sharpness of their tongue to people, the more relevant they are.
They have become judges in issues they know little about and have through bad comments and lack of empathy especially woke takes on bandwagon beliefs that are not stemmed in facts or reality sent many to their graves.
Also, many people have begun to question their purpose in life by comparing themselves to people they perceive as their mates as a result of packaged lies of beautiful existence. Many are yet to get the message that social media is a mirage and a world of make believe where people who have nothing use borrowed items or outright lies to fake accomplishments.
Consequently, if people on social media are your yardstick as a woman and you are trying to continuously keep up with the trend; expensive hairs, costly jewellery, weekend getaway at costly hotels and vacations you can’t afford, you are setting yourself up for a fall that will have an impact that exceeds that of Humpty Dumpty which was fatal in all ramifications.
Searching for validations on social media as done by many today has no positive outcome, it is guaranteed to lead to bankruptcy, unnecessary competition with people who do not care and depression.
The social media friendship and family is usually built on falsehood and no sincere feelings. Peoples’ attention is fleeting and based on circumstances at a particular time or based on the issue at hand.
The need for affirmation from strangers can sometimes appear like a mental disease because it leads to extreme reactions and mood swings. The search for validation is most often unhealthy because it gives people especially strangers, too much power in determining one’s self worth.
It is indeed a struggle to differentiate normal human need for affirmation and seeking validation from strangers. This is an act of vanity that affects every area of one’s life negatively as it determines the value we put on ourselves. There seems to be a very thin line between seeking and getting fulfillment as a genuine human need and the unhealthy obsession that makes the opinion and validation of people you may never meet matter to you and you end up devoting a lot of productive time to checking social media apps incessantly to see if someone has commented, like or shared your posts. Or checking on what people you think are celebrities are doing constantly in order to emulate them to feel good, consequently, making strangers your standard without knowing their story or challenges.
Falling for the mirage on social media rather than simply connecting with others and building a sense of community while maintaining your personal space, focus and standard as well as mental health is deadly.
To be continued
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents
In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state…Women and unending quest Women and unending quest
Selfies, video calls and Chinese documentaries: The things you’ll meet onboard Lagos-Ibadan train
The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…Women and unending quest Women and unending quest
and then