Social media, like the life that we live, is basically what we make out of it. While it has brought an increased level of awareness, it's most unfortunate that this double-edged mechanism has also brought about a rise in moral decadence and bankruptcy.
You know it's quite alarming that atrocities that were known to be committed by adults before the popularity of social media are now being perpetrated by adolescents. It's almost like a grave mistake handing a phone and data to a youth.
While you expect them to make something meaningful in the internet space, the reverse is often the case for most youths. And really, it's mentally draining that every time I go on the web2 space, I must come across a teenager engaging in several disturbing acts.
It's either they are doing drugs or they are going unclad, or you see them flaunting unexplained wealth.
Sometimes, you even see them upholding crime, and when I go through the comments, I read people write, As long as you are not my family member, ride on. But then what happens if it hits home? because such a foul act won't end with them, as it's like a virus that spreads.
Personally, I try not to interfere with people's choices, as we would all live with the consequences of our actions.
I am not one to get emotional over the abuse of social media by teenagers, but I had a rethink and something to reflect on when I saw the 13-year-old sister of a friend twerking and going unclad on her TikTok page. I had a lot of questions because this girl is supposed to not lack anything.
I understand peer pressure, but it's just that usually when we see such despicable actions by younger women or girls, it's often associated with poverty and a place of lack.
Somehow, I felt obligated and couldn't just ignore what I had seen, so I decided to report the issue to my friend. I made this decision so that my friend could inform their parents and let them take necessary corrective measures to keep the young lady in check before it's too late.
Sadly, my decision was quickly halted when an argument concerning internet fraud erupted at the salon we went to make our hair. Imagine my surprise when I heard my friend defend internet fraud, arguing that it has helped a lot of families out of poverty.
Immediately, it made sense how her 13-year-old sister would have the mind to be doing such on social media because, indeed, she's coming from a home where they lack good moral standing.
At that point, during the argument, I started to rethink my friendship as I mentally cut off my supposed friend and never related with her again after that day.
I also went on to block every member of her family off my social media page and went on to mind my business.
Undeniably, people have abused social media, but there are still people who explore its positive side, and I am one of them. From the jobs that I have had to the people who have contributed a great deal to my life, I give all the credit to social media.
If it's any consolation, I know that there are people like me who have also had a lot of positive experiences with their social media activities.
Thus, it becomes evident that social media is not the problem, but it's usage, which trickles down to the kind of individuals that explore it.