The good, the bad and the ugly sides of social media |01 April 2016

Social media sites have taken over the lives of many people in the world including us Seychellois. Some of us find it hard to even imagine that 10 years ago there was no Facebook or Twitter!

But we must all accept that social media has widened the world we live in, creating easy communication around the world. As with all good things there is also the bad side.

 Let’s take the GOOD.

First, we have the obvious: communication. We are living in a time where the world is open to us. We can contact anyone around the world, at any time. It is free. We can also share elements of our life, from what we enjoy to photos of ourselves and those in our lives. It is like being a part of that person’s world, even though distance keeps you apart.

Businesses can advertise or sell their products and services through social media. They used to have to spend a lot of cash for this kind of marketing data.

Regarding information, social media has made it possible for individuals to discuss important topics, widen their personal knowledge and discover things they never knew before. There is no doubt that there are many reasons to love social media.

 Let’s take the BAD.

But not all consequences of this technology are good ones. It has allowed us to hide behind screens and generally lose our social interaction face to face. You get the feeling of being social without having to go out and socialise. In the same vein, it gives you the feeling of being a friend (or having friends) without having to put in any actual work to build the relationship. Just think of how many people you have on your Facebook friends list. How many of them do you see on a semi-regular basis? At all?

Then we have the issue of how it has taken over our lives. Friends ask each other to go out but you end up seeing each one of them on their phones without saying a word to each other.

It is the obvious Facebooking or tweeting or whatever else that keeps people’s eyes glued to their phones.

We can’t enjoy the world around us for an hour without retreating back into that safe little digital box. Productivity is also affected where you find yourself checking your profiles or wandering over to YouTube or your favorite blog during work hours.

A fun little game was suggested by someone from the internet while talking on the topic: every time you get distracted by a social media site, make a little strike on a piece of paper. At the end of the day, count all the strikes and feel your heart drop into your stomach as you try to estimate how much time wasted it represents.

 Let’s look at the UGLY.

Some of what social media has done isn’t just ‘bad’, it is flat out ‘ugly’. Like the number of relationships that have been broken up over social networks. Facebook is not to blame for this. It is just a tool that has seemed to make it easier to cheat, or to do things that cross a boundary in your relationship. There are also the stupid, mean, vain people on Facebook who have lost all sense of kindness, patriotism and LOVE for others or for their country. They post only things that are BAD, UGLY and DESTRUCTIVE.

Let’s not forget the badly spelled, grammatical nightmares that you would need a magic decoder ring that translated moron into English to read. And is affecting students’ vocabulary in schools as they believe such type of writing is the norm of the day.

It has been concluded there are many good things about social media, and many bad things too. In the end, if you can keep your own life centered in reality and use social networking as a small part of it, you should be just fine. For those who can’t, it might be time to turn off the computer for a bit and go for a walk.

In Seychelles many of us use social media for the three reasons mentioned – good, bad and ugly. Seychellois are generally focused on such sites as gossip corner and other politically-affiliated groups which generally give out bad and ugly vibes, not realising there are many good and inspiring groups on Facebook that one in Seychelles can join. Groups on pets, sports, buy, sell and exchange, electronics and games, fashion, lifestyle, fitness, real estate, prayers, compassion, just to name some.

Below are some fantastic groups on Facebook and their raison d’être where Seychellois are free to join.

 PROBLENM PERSONNEL

This group currently has 553 members and its aim is to advise people and to get advice on personal problems, doubts, issues, frustration and to be open about any concerns. It is a support group.

 SEYCHELLES ISLAND OF DREAM

The group currently has 1,463 members. It is a group where dreams are born and time is never planned.

 A NATION OUR HISTORY

The group currently has 946 members and is for those interested in knowing the history of our nation.

 SEY DIS N DAT

The group currently has 3,367 members. It’s a group where one can get a dose of everything. It is aiming at becoming a melting pot.

 EGLISE DE SACRE COEUR DE JESUS

It currently has 637 members representing the transformative power of divine love. It’s a family type group.

 FRIENDS OF SPTC

Friends of SPTC is a group to help SPTC as a company to grow with members suggestions and comments, good or bad. The group currently has 489 members.

 AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST

It’s a group on ministering the word of God; testimonies; prayer requests. It is more of a support group.

NATURAL AND FREE

Are you limited by your geographical location on what's available for you to use on your natural hair? Do you want to know what other girls in your situation do? Do you want to get tips on what you can do for yourself? Do you want to know what others use? Then this is the place for you. This group wants to provide support for girls living in places where curly hair products are not readily available who have transitioned, thinking of transitioning or have gone right ahead and did the big chop (BC) and now wondering how to take care of it. The group currently has 908 members

 AROUND SEYCHELLES.COM

The group currently has 2,047 members and is about announcing upcoming events in Seychelles! Shows, exhibitions, performances, special offers and much more for residents and visitors of Seychelles.

 PROUD OF BEING SEYCHELLOIS

This group has 2,413 members and has been created to talk about good memories one has about the Seychelles and the significant things we like and cherish about Seychelles.

 MEMBERS I SENPATIZ EK TOU SA BANN

"The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God." This group is for those who wish to extend their condolences to all members who has lost a loved one or a friend and let them know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. This group has 4,828 members.

 ZENN LEVE ANNOU PRIYE

 There are many people in need of prayer. Some fighting addictions like alcohol or drugs; some struggling with grieving the loss of a loved one; some fighting to hold on as well as to let go; some having trouble with their children; some who are heartbroken and some fighting a host of mental, health and emotional issues. This group invites prayers so such people can find resolution or guidance to overcome these addictions and obstacles in their lives... It has 3,322 members.

Compiled by M.J.

Source: Facebook