Ways social media is misused

To promote hate

The broadened freedom of speech bestowed upon people by the rise of social media platforms does have its merits, as many now have a platform where they can voice their concerns about injustices within society. However, everything has its good things and bad things as well. The freedom on social media has also rendered these avenues breeding grounds for hate speech. Many use it to promote their bigoted ideology. They encourage hate between warring individuals or parties simply because they are intolerant to the views, beliefs, or behaviour that differ from theirs.

Not being yourself

There are those on social media who have been held hostage by the modern adage, ‘Fake it ‘til you make it’. Rather than being their true selves, they opt for becoming exhibitionists lying to others they are living the high and mighty lifestyle while in reality, they are not. For example, people download images from the net and claim them as theirs just to feel important.

Low quality content

There are many Kenyan sites and blogs that are becoming more and more popular, gaining audiences in large numbers. Social media has become a very powerful tool for these sites and blogs to promote and advertise their venues. Most of these only post the usual drama and gossip about popular celebrities. As much as juicy stories appeal to the masses, it is imperative that website owners and bloggers also use their platforms to spread quality content and educate the masses.