Should squabbles be settled via social media?

Social media is a public place. No matter how you choose to live your online life, you can’t fully shield yourself from getting into a disagreement with someone (or more than one person) at some point in time.

The social media is a term used to define websites that allow users to share content, media etc examples of these sites include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WeChat, Snapchat and others.

In recent times, the use of the social media has gone beyond using these sites for sharing photos, media and other necessary information. It has become a place where fights, quarrels, and all sorts of vices start. For example, it has become commonplace to see celebrities lash out on one another and then settle again through these means.

As a result of this growing trend, LifeXtra asked some people what they feel about settling scores via social media. 

Isaac Newtøn Akah, author of ‘Living in Gidi’, said “First, we should ask, did the squabble start on social media? Should squabbles even be taken to social media? The best followers can do is enjoy the drama. People don’t care enough to volunteer to reconcile warring parties.”

Then he added, “Squabbles can hardly be settled on social media because people don’t know enough about the foundations and genesis of the issues. If folks want to settle their issues effectively, they can do it outside social media. It’s mature and sincere that way.”

Taofik Rotimi, a Youth corps member, had a different opinion. He said “If it started online, then try to settle it online as delicately as possible, without getting down in the gutters. And if it happened offline, then don’t come wash your dirty linen in public. Everyone should not know about your business/troubles.”

Melody Emenye, a graphic artist, wonders why people display so much about their lives on social media. “I still don’t understand why people rush to the internet with any little information regarding their day-to-day lives, especially quarrels with other people. I saw a twit recently by a former sister-in-law of John Ogu (Super Eagles player) bashing him for dumping his wife and daughter. The lady said she would not stop embarrassing him until he tenders a public apology to her sister. Why on earth should the shameless lady bring such sensitive family issue to the public? What does she intend to achieve?” 

Emenye concluded by saying “The truth is that a lot of people are not interested in our dirty linens. Most followers only use our posts to amuse and entertain themselves. The earlier we learn to keep our private matters away from public glare, the better for us.”

Aliyu Ismaïl, a student, responded with an emphatic NO. He said “We are warned not to divulge too much information on social media talk more of a fight.”

“The world watches and most times, such squabbles end up as a meme in groups. At other times, those engaged in squabbles on social media always receive the insult of their lives from commentators. 

Ismail therefore advised “Don’t go to the social media to settle scores or for advice, and limit engagements on social media as it’s filled with vague persons.”