By Nurudeen Salako
In the new age of technology advancement, social media as a tool for interactive communication has now actually ceased the almighty TIME, and also vanish the so called SPAC, between the interlocutors, as earlier prophesied by Marshall McLuhan in 1960, when he coined the concept of “Global Village” in his book, ‘The Gutenberg Galaxy.’
Internet is now seen as its own modern market square in the shape of social media, a forum for commerce, information, entertainment and personal interaction, which makes previously undreamed of access to information available almost instantly and at an extraordinary low cost.
In view of this, the essences and uses of social media among Nigerians especially the youths seem to be channeled to the wrong paths.
Get me clear, nany Nigerians who are active social media users always write, post and share relevant information that are even of human interests, ranging from politics, sports and entertainments, among others.
On the other way round where majority of our youths on digital space occupied, studies have revealed that an average Nigerian, especially the youths do not really make effective uses of social media so as to promote, improve, learn and explore all available opportunities on the platform but rather to posts some irrelevant statuses, indecent pictures so to say. Some even go as far trading hot words among themselves all in the sake of ‘rivalry.’
In fact, Wizkid and Davido’s latest updates and gossips; Ronaldo and Messi’s football rivalry; latest ‘Owanbe’ location pictures and trends; night clubs chilling selfie, among others are things dominating the timelines and web spaces of today’s youths, without considering what might become its consequences.
whereby affecting who really they are online as viewed by most of their followers and friends without even meeting them at a glance.
Even, the “SOCIAL” in Social media calls for online reputation and good web image management.
For Instance, some people who are in need of your professional services were given your social media handle for them to link up, contact, verify and check out your online reputation through social media timeline. They you are likely to read about you on your walls. Can that speaks a good side of you? A question to answer.
Perhaps, youths especially students are ignorance with the fact that social media is a great opportunity and an added advantage for someone like them to meet their mentors and get connected with them, so as to be mentored, groomed and later join the league of achievers of their respective fields and specialization.
Let your social media accounts speak well of you, even with or without your presence.
Ensure you post issues that are related to your career and profession and follow those that are already up there for mentoring.
Endeavour to limit the irrelevant posts to its bearest minimum and let people read your timelines and profiles, to then marvel without them seeing you at first.
Brand your online reputation and manage your web image well; this is very important in this 21st century.
I’d love to end this piece, with my mentor’s quote, who once said at a gathering of campus journalists that, “whatever you do, your online reputation are added advantages for you to get employed in this country.”