The absolute no-no’s of social media

Social media I am sure was something the creators did to help make life easy for everyone. But these days, social media has taken a new dimension as many have turned it to their battle ground of some sort.

Rashidat Lawal, 40-year-old consultant, says, “Social Media was created majorly to share news, information, entertainment socialise, communicate and network with people. But many have taken it upon themselves to criticise every single post made by any happy person. Some people are just bent on not seeing anything good in anyone’s post or seeing people posting happy messages on their page. Of recent, people have made social media a kind of wrestling ring where they drag people they feel they have issues with and destroy their image or personalities. How low can people get? It’s sad that we use every good thing in a very negative way.”

Rahinatu Tafida, 39-year-old entrepreneur, speaks from experience, “I have been a victim of social media victimisation, people just think they have the right to come to your inbox and reign insults on you for posting something concerning you. If my Parents, family and husband don’t complain about my posts, why should they? If you don’t socialise or share anything worthwhile on social media and you only come there to criticise others, then you have no business being on social media. Social media is a place for people to network and meet like mind like them and make progress.”

OluwakemiAdewale, 40-year-old banker, says, “Social media has it does and don’ts but many have failed to see the difference and get to understand the appropriate use of social media. I would say this, never say or do anything you know would bring down a relationship of years on social media. Social media is a very dangerous place as its speed and viral breadth is something we all can’t contend with. Social media can make or mar relationships. Take for example the episode of the lady that spoke about not leaving her daughter with her husband. Social media actually aggravated the already dense situation for her and her family. I have made it a point of caution to never speak ill of anyone at any moment if I have nothing good to say I would rather keep quite because if the negative statement ends up on social media or any blog then that’s the end.”

Charles Chukwu, 42-year-old businessman, says, “I have learnt that no matter how happy you are with your spouse, social media can actually do the most imaginable and unfixable damage you have never thought of. Otherwise social media will ruin your relationship with that person. The rumours of social media linger on for days, months, years and no couple wants to pass through that. No one wants to learn a lesson the hard way. Most marriages or relationships don’t survive social media rumors and debates. The average African male ego can’t take social media pressure, I know I won’t.Don’t wash your dirty linens in public.”

Nasiru Ahmed, 41-year-old IT expert, says, “I am particularly amazed at how people their longtime friends on social media over little misunderstanding. I believe as friends, we should be able to settle our differences amicably without dragging each other on social media. Even when you have tried to settle amicably and it still isn’t yielding any results, please keep it away from social media. Keeping it away from social media doesn’t make you stupid or foolish, rather it shows how mature minded you are. We are all humans and bound to make mistakes, and when all efforts are made to repair the damage, we move on. Dragging the issue on social media only makes it worse. The funny thing is that I thought it was a woman problem but ironically men are also so immersed in such negative trend.”

It would be wise to note that the moment you drag a friend or spouse you have issues with to social media, know that the chances of ever repairing that relationship is a far cry from been achieved. The problem you have with that person may eventually be resolved but that friendship or relationship is gone for good.