Social Media: The new life guide and unintended confessional booth, by Musa Sakinat Abubakar
In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become more than just a means of keeping in touch with friends and family.
They have evolved into what many in this generation consider their life guide, a source of advice, validation, and sometimes, an unintended confessional booth. It’s troubling to see individuals airing out their deepest personal issues, including marital problems, on public platforms, with the hope of finding solutions from virtual strangers.
But the question is, does posting your problems online truly offer the solutions you seek, or does it simply expose your private life to the world?
It’s not uncommon to come across Instagram, Facebook etc. pages with captions claiming to provide a safe space for people to share their issues anonymously. However, it’s essential to contemplate the repercussions of seeking advice from unknown individuals who may not have your best interests at heart.
While it’s understandable to seek support when facing challenges, social media may not always be the best avenue for finding genuine, practical solutions.
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When individuals bring their marital issues to social media, they open themselves up to a myriad of responses, ranging from well-intentioned advice to harsh criticism and even trolling.
Although finding support from a community can be comforting, it’s essential to consider the quality and credibility of the advice obtained through these channels. After all, the people responding to these posts are often strangers who may not have the expertise to offer meaningful guidance.
Moreover, oversharing intimate details online can potentially lead to a loss of privacy and could strain relationships even further. It’s important to remember that the internet has a long memory, and what is shared in a moment of distress may have lasting effects on one’s personal and professional life.
Many problems shared on social media are fabricated tales created to garner attention, often for financial motives.
Sadly, some individuals, unaware of the falsehoods, believe and share these stories. It’s disheartening that some even use the platform to seek advice for genuine personal issues.
Instead of turning to social media as a life guide, individuals grappling with marital issues should consider seeking support from trusted family members, friends, or qualified professionals. Counseling and therapy provide a confidential and safe environment for exploring and addressing relationship challenges.
While it can be empowering to share personal experiences and seek support from others, there is a need for caution when it comes to relying on social media as the ultimate problem-solving tool.
It’s crucial to remember that not everyone online has your best interests at heart, and the digital realm does not always provide the depth of understanding and support needed for complex issues such as marital problems.
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In a world where oversharing has become the norm, let’s encourage a culture of discretion and seek guidance through reliable and confidential channels. Whether it’s through professional counseling, trusted friends, or supportive family members, leaning on a strong and reliable support system can make a world of difference when facing challenging times. It’s important to prioritise one’s well-being and seek guidance from sources that can offer genuine support and practical advice.
While social media has its merits, it’s essential to exercise caution and discretion when navigating personal issues online.
Musa Sakinat Abubakar is a passionate and dedicated journalist, Sub-Editor at Neptune Prime. Email: musasakinatu1997@gmail.com
Disclaimer
The opinions and views expressed in this article belong solely to the original author and other contributors. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or opinions of Neptune Prime.
