HOW TO END
SOCIAL MEDIA BIAS
Growing up in Nigeria without basic amenities puts the majority of us in a very tight spot. I remember when mobile phones were newly introduced alongside telecommunications service it was a big deal.
A good number of Nigerians could not afford it because it was relatively too expensive and supposedly meant for the rich!
When my father got his first phone with the sim it was super expensive, he treated it like it was a new born baby, nobody could go close let alone touch it. Laughing!!!
As time went on the price of phones went down as new and different phones were introduced into the economy. People now had options!
We were not used to it at all, it felt really strange. Gradually social media came along, I remember I was completely lost and I had this deep hatred for Facebook and WhatsApp in particular... Shaking my head!
It took me a while to agree to create a Facebook account, I was blinded by hatred for it, in my head I thought why should I just post pictures and why should I allow people to see me online! Phew!!!!
I refused to download the WhatsApp application, to me it was giving people access to my privacy. When I eventually downloaded the app and old friends sent me messages I hated it, why will WhatsApp allow old friends with my number to have access to me I thought, I didn't like it! And for that reason I went there almost never.
One day the lord opened my eyes and my mind and everything changed completely...I decided to pay attention to what was happening around me! It felt like I was just starting kindergarten.. Lol!!! I'm glad I started though!
The process of looking and learning started, I paid close attention to how people used these platforms! I eventually embraced WhatsApp and truth, it made my life easy! I embraced Facebook, I would go there carefully and post ones in a blue moon and hope no one will leave any bad comment..I only expected good comments.
One fateful day my brother set up my business on Facebook. It felt like magic, for a long time I wasn't comfortable talking about my skills and passion online for the fear of being judged or more! It was an absolute no no!!!
As time went on, I became comfortable with these platforms, I found a reason to go there, I wanted to connect and network! I had a purpose and a very strong WHY!!!
So when my mindset changed, my game changed and invariably changed my life for good!
The moment we let go from the inside and find the reason why we should use social media it will change us completely.
My prescription is as follows;
- Let go of any bais you have or feel towards social media
- Have an open mind
- Have a reason or find a reason to be on social media
- When you find a reason, let social media work for you.
- Don't get carried away, because the likelihood of you wandering on the streets of social media is very high!
Does this resonate with you? If yes, what do you think and how have you overcome the bias you felt for Social Media?
Please say what is working for you right now!!