Written by Ugochukwu David

Synonymous with trends and virals, Social Media has, over the years, evolved into a masterpiece of the 21st century. With a light tap on the screen, in an instant, one can begin to interact with people from far away climes. The use of social media has become a yardstick by most people for acceptance into modern civilization. How do you see it when a friend of yours says he/she doesn't have accounts on Twitter and Instagram? Phew! That will be kind of absurd to a social media freak. But then, how does Social Media impact on humanity? If weighed on a scale, which side would tilt, good or bad? According to Statista, an online data gathering platform; about four billion people actively used social media in 2020. This represents 58.11% of the world population (age limit set at 13+), with statistics suggesting an increase in subsequent years. Social media is gradually replacing physical interactions amongst people, through which they create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. From the convenience of one's sofa, a person could participate in different online meetings, attend seminars, hook-up with a long lost friend or relative.

The year 2020 was one hit with an unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. Worldwide activities were brought to an almost halt. People were advised to stay indoors while observing recommended preventive measures, part of which is the social distancing. It was in these trying moments that active social media presence surged to a ridiculous high of 72%. While most people stayed indoors for days, to weeks, and months; the only way to feel alive was to engage in social media trends. It was employed as the go-to tool to curb the need for physical summons. Once inducted into the cyber space, a person would go on to build his audience. Gone are the days when the elites enjoyed the monopoly of social media usage. As enthralling as it could be, social media could easily pass as a weapon of destruction on a larger scale. As dawn gives way to dusk, more and more people continue to register accounts on various social media platforms. In most cases, the more one communicates online, the less he may converse in reality. In such instances, many people are used to the online chatting phrases like LOL, BRB, TTYL, etc. Such phrases, when not used in reality, tend to reduce the level at which most of these people can engage in conversations for long.
Besides, a Social media 'rockstar' could be an introvert, as it seems to be the readily available substitute for physical interactions. In real-life cases, it could be as addictive as nicotine. But, do the Pros outweigh the Cons?

Though multiple studies have found a strong link between social media and an increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, inferiority complex, and even suicidal thoughts. However, the importance of social media can never be overlooked. While following the trends in the early years of the 21st century hitherto, social media has ranked highest in as the medium of human communication. As a typical member of the Generation X would likely say: "Life was more tranquil. We knew each other by their real names and not usernames." No doubt, the mid 2000s was a period that ushered in the astronomical rise of the social media usage. You'd quite agree with me that, having a digital space in this modern world goes a long way for businesses, schools, organizations, government agencies, and the likes.

However, these social platforms offer more marketable chances for your business. Indeed, never has life been this simple and complex simultaneously. From the confines of your house, you could stream to a hungry audience ready to devour contents and pass the baton to others via links and mentions. Telecommunication companies, in a bid to stay atop competition, stir the embers of this rave. Realizing the most popular form for interpersonal communication is evident in chats, voice messaging and streams. They emphasize on upgraded data offers as against call credit offers, their adverts are almost perpetually lined with promises of unlimited online access for a low price. In more corporate organizations, their online office is as powerful as their main office.

Whilst many found fame and fortune online, a good number also lost themselves to the same. Social media in itself is not a bad thing but the activities of individuals on various platforms could be disastrous. If properly harnessed, it is a hub for information dissemination, relaxation, and promotion of businesses. Be that as it may, Social media has come to stay for generations to come. But, the need for its regulation is of ultimate significance.

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