It is less a news or so to say no longer a news that the present age we find ourselves right now which is the computer age or electronic and can also be called the internet age is a generation which has a lot of things to offer, ranging from technological advances and so many befitting opportunities.
The internet known as "International Network" is the mother of all networks which is the interconnection of various numerous computers around the globe. The internet provides numerous services to its user which includes:
1) World Wide Web: The WWW also known simple as 'web' is the interconnection of computers to share documents and other files. The web can be described as the main service provided by the internet to enable documents sharing.
2) mailing and chatting: This include the sharing of text messages, transfer of files from one person to another.
And so many other services which I'll not be able to mention in this article.
Another main services that the internet has brought which I'll be emphasizing on in the article today is the Social media. The social media can be described as a computer-based technology that aid the creation and sharing of information, ideas, interests and other forms of expression by means of virtual networks. The Youths are said to be active users of social media and it has contributed mainly to their development. Nevertheless, despite the huge communication gaps social media have bridged, it still remains a major setback to youth world. As Albert Einstein once said, "I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots."
Problems with the abuse of social media
Young people are so emotionally invested in social media that it has become a major distraction to them. Some of the detrimental effect of social media on Youths include:
i) Exposure to social vices such as pornography and fraud.
ii) Addiction to social media which results to academic failure.
iii) Deceit and false impression- People claiming to be who they are not.
iv) It damns reputation in such a way that wrong posts of today could be used against someone in future.
v) It affect the spiritual life of an individual and may lead to lack of devotion to God.
vi) Today, the social media also helps to spread fake news. It is not arguably the main carrier of fake information.
vii) It exposes one's identity to unknown people and also serve as a means of copying crime.
Profits from proper use of social media
The social media is indeed profitable in many areas of life and there are several benefits derivable from the proper use of social media. Some are:
i) It fosters sharing of information, ideas and thoughts irrespective of distance or lengths.
ii) It aids social interaction and connections as youths can now create and exchange information via technological devices.
iii) It helps to keep up to date with knowledge and information.
iv) It provides a platform for youths to express themselves and develop social skills like writing, reading, solving mental drills etc.
v) It enhances learning and promotes academic excellence if properly used.
vi) Apart from education, the social media also goes a long way in marketing goods and services.
vii) The potentials of evangelism through social media is almost limitless. The social media connects a vast number of people and if the Gospel is spread through it, there'll be an incremental effect to follow the savior.
Principles for right use of social media
To be able to achieve one's goal through the use of the social media, some principles have to be followed in order to serve as a guide. They are:
i) Time control: The social media can steal your time. Therefore, try as much to control the time spent on it and don't let it control you.
ii) Use the social media to increase your productive academically, socially, mentally and spiritually and in all areas.
iii) Use social media to encourage, teach, inform and support others. Be a source of encouragement.
iv) Block and unfriend anyone displaying inappropriate contents to you.
v) Stay focus at your goal and strive to achieve it.
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