The social media cry

WHEN Mark Zuckerburg and his team launched Face- Book on February 4, 2004, the intention was to create a social networking platform that allows for healthy exchange through dialoguing, debates, conversations and overall communication.

However, within the last two months the International Women’s Resource Network has been inundated with calls and messages from women expressing concern about not only the unhealthy levels of exchange, but also their own personal experiences. Whilst the impact of social media triggers both positive and/or negative outcomes, and has also changed lives on how we connect and engage, it also creates an opportunity for users to negatively pinch the backs of others, some of whom become deeply offended.

Issues surrounding social media are inescapable and therefore, as individuals, we need to identify our own unique mechanisms to navigate throughout the social media ocean; that navigation also requires us to exercise some level of personal responsibility for our actions and behavioural patterns as well. It’s great to have healthy debates keeping in mind that every individual is diverse and unique, and so, opinions and views on issues would differ, but it’s another thing to become personal in your posts and/or responses and to even use offensive language.

One of the psychological issues that remains at the forefront, is the need by many, in particular women, to amalgamate as many “likes” as possible from their posts, and when this does not happen, some have indicated to us that they are immediately driven into a state of depression.

Scientifically, this is a call for a rain check on your self-esteem and self-confidence, as these important components of your being, existed before the introduction of social media platforms.

Another concern raised was that of becoming so immersed in social networking, that self-neglect steps in, as well as family, friends and even children.

Again a quick rain check here as your family and relationships and most importantly you must always come first.

Avoid allowing social media to distract from your daily chores and responsibilities.

Spending lots of time engaging in online befriending was also raised to the extent that some of the complainants are fearful that this may be a weakness that has taken over their psyche.

Before making online friends, it is highly advisable to check their profiles/background, as we have had a couple instances where women were hoodwinked into different beliefs. Lacking focus and reduction in productivity levels were also brought to the table. Once there is continuous navigation on social media platforms, your brain will eventually wear, and ultimately your attention span diminishes; before this happens, it is best to strike a balance between your normal routine and your social media time.

Another common concern is the compulsion felt by some to share various types of photos which sometimes result in strange comments. Remember all that is shared on social networks automatically becomes public, and therefore, it is best to exercise greater caution is sharing.

As I stated earlier, social networking is fabulous, but the key is personal responsibility.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant, author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com, intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or contact 283-0318