WITH the advent of new technology, social media has been used by many to effect positive change in society but unbelievably so, it has also turned out to be a tool abused by many.
Despite the fact that social media is associated with many issues, it’s important to keep in mind that using social media won’t necessarily influence you in a negative way.
Rather, as long as you’re using social media in a manner that is both moderate and positive, it probably won’t have a significant negative impact on your health and wellbeing.
Furthermore, there are also some potential benefits to using social media, such as the opportunity to form and strengthen connections with other people.
Social media abuse on the other hand can make one a star like the famous movie ‘’Fifteen minutes of fame” when used for wrong reasons but the repercussions tend to be grave for the concerned individuals.
The problem with social media fame is that it tends to mislead people into thinking they are famous and are stars due to those clapping for them but when it comes to facing consequences, the so-called stars unfortunately face the consequences of their actions alone.
‘’The influence of social media is unbelievable. It’s sad to see – it’s a fake life that some people live.’’ Once said Liverpool and Dutch defender Vigil Van Dijk.
One may pretend to be a star on social media for likes and retweets but at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it will only be “the star” facing the consequences of engaging in irresponsible behaviour while everyone else will continue tweeting from home.
There numerous lessons to show that the new media should never be abused for show because only the principle user gets to pay for their own actions.
Nevertheless, social has also proven to be a tool for positive change and impact when used in a right way and as it should be used for.
Like young Nobel Prize winner Malala Yuousfai observed ‘’what is interesting is the impact of social media …so we must try to use social media in a good way…’’
Everybody can use social media but there is need for responsible use of the platform facility as using it otherwise has its consequences.
Social media should not be used to slander nor malign people but it should instead be used for effective communication.
What is of relief is that there are cyber laws in Zambia that guide against offenders of cybercrimes and the Government has put a place an anti- cybercrimes crack squad to deal with such misdemeanors .
The Golden rule, especially for young people when using social media is that one may enjoy ‘’fifteen” minutes of fame when abusing social media but when it comes to the concequencies, one only has to pay for themselves hence the need for consciousness when on social media.
“You can still say whatever you want to say on social media, but you have to be willing to stand by your words,’’ Candance Owens, American activist.
It is for this reason that we need to be cautious
