Decades ago, the conventional media {Television/Radio, Newspaper and magazine} took the lead role in dissemination of information, appraised by its ability and capacity to get in touch with wide range of heterogeneous audience. it's ability is quite magnificent to the extent it was quoted to have possessed the power of a hypodermic needle also known has magic bullet theory. the basis and assumption of this theory is that almighty media is capable of influencing people's behaviour and attitude, directing them to act in way that goes in line with the objective of the media, you can say the media is capable of mind control. such was the power attributed to the conventional media until the advent of social media.
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An innovation brought by advancement in technology, a product of the internet. social media has taken the world by surprise through the rate of its assimilation by the masses. becoming a global phenomenon that has impacted the cognitive understanding of the masses about the existence and Significance of the existing media that has ruled supreme over the years. social media gained more acceptance due to its flexibility in convening information without going through gatekeeping process an attribute which is most sacred to the conventional media.
The power of the social media is less influenced by the governing bodies of a state compared to the conventional media, that is why over the years, some states have tried to put some restrictions on the use of social media. due to the capacity of the social media it has created career opportunities for people now known has social media influencers. people who have gained recognition and attention among their peers to the extent their words and actions penetrates the minds of many. they take time to talk about contemporary topics and trends, issues of significance that matters to the people. you could call them opinion leaders because they contribute to opinion formation of the masses and they have a say on opinion polls of different matters.
This individuals have grown in numbers over the years, it could be a celebrity or someone with a large fan base. though some celebrities just live their lives without paying attention to the amount of influence they have on the minds of their fans while others have recognised the potentials of nursing the career of being a social media influencer, they go all the way to promoting brands, product and lifestyles, paid for ofcourse. majority of them are driven by money and public recognition only a few of them care about public responsibility.
Looking at how much influence they have on people, it would be nice if that energy is directed at what matters, not that I'm saying what they are doing doesn't count, we are all trying to make a living including them but there are matters they speak nonchalantly of which end up having a devastating effects on the listeners. example of such matters is issues of marriages, relationship and process of divorce. seeing the rate of divorce in our society it doesn't seem like most of their advice on that topic is doing us any good. That aside, Words are mightier than sword, which is the basis of the strength of social media influencers.
I have never given it much thought about becoming a social media influencer, which is quite funny because in a way that is what I'm doing right now, this write up might not mean much to some people but to others it is something and in one way or the other they will began to cultivate some ideas from this post, which means without thinking of it has a profession, I'm already capable of influencing the attitude and thinking of others though it has not reached the grand scale yet.
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Let's say some day, I find myself being recognised as a social media influencer, I will definitely have some ideas I would love to push forward to the masses. to talk about matters of utmost importance. I have always been someone with a distinctive perspective about matters of the society and life in general. my passion for anything is driven by what is right and just, some sort of patriotism if its counts. driven by my duty and responsibility to the members of the public there are few things I would love to promote being a social media influencer.
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- 1) PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE: Agriculture from where I'm from is known as a culture, even before the world recognise it as a source of income, we engage in agriculture as a hobby something we love doing. A part of me would have gladly blamed civilisation for the present state of this practice but that wouldn't make it get any better. My love for agricultural practice is known on this platform, I have occasional written on different agricultural practices, product and preventive measures. Apart from this, the rate at which prices of commodity and products have skyrocketed is alarming to the extent that it difficult to manage 3 square meal without spending a large of some of money on the cost. this just proves we have less farmers in the field and the numbers of available farm products we have is not enough to feed our population. being a social media influencer I would definitely emphasis more on the need to invest and engage in agricultural practice instead of promoting luxurious lifestyle.
- 2) Promotion of cultural heritage & Values: I'm a Nigerian, a native of Yoruba tribe, a tribe known to be rich in culture and socio-cultural values. over the years we have migrated to different part of the world for survival but who we are still remains. it is quite disheartening when I think of the present situation of my tribe. we used to be the tribe that cherishes hardwork, discipline, culture and human values. we have different motto that cultivate the foundation of our existence such as "Ise ni Ogun ise" which means hardwork is the antidote for poverty but that doesn't seem to be the case these days, our youths have been eroded by get-rich-quick syndrome which has led them into engaging in ritualistic act to achieve their aims. this act has endangered the masses to an extent that we can no longer move freely in public without the fear of becoming a victim of ritualism. This is not our way of life, it is not our culture, this erosion of values is mostly blamed on westernisation but how many western countries engage in ritualism? As a social media influencer, I would love to remind my people of the need to remember our culture, values and heritage before it is totally lost.
In conclusion
The above areas would be my area of focus among many others, though occasionally for monetary purpose I will also assist organisations and companies to promote there product and service as long as it doesn't go against my cultural/ personal values. which means I will never put myself in a position that will lead me into directly or indirectly promoting alcoholic/drug consumption, pornography/nudity and gambling/betting. others might do it but I believe it does more damage than good to our society.
This write-up was inspired by weekly featured content titled "Social media influencer" in hive learners community.
