Living Online.....Social Networking Trends

In level 300 of my undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, I remember a particular day that I visited the university's ICT Centre to engage in a little research online. This visit was neither my first nor last to the center, but what makes it easily recallable was an interesting observation I made on the day in question. When I entered the room on the ground floor, I noticed a lady smiling to herself, sending signals that she was excited about something. I looked further and realized that she was chatting with someone on Facebook.

This alone cannot make this day boldly imprinted on my mind because the scenario described above is as normal as it gets. After my research which lasted an hour, I went back to my room and came back about six hours later, in the evening to continue what I have started. To my surprise, I saw the same lady, by the same desktop computer, on the same site, Facebook, chatting. I blurted out 'wow'!

She could have left and come back as was the case with me, but the probability of getting the same computer approaches zero than one. This is because we usually sit in queues awaiting our turns as the computers were inadequate. Only students with laptops could afford easy access. Whichever way it was, what was clear was that she was addicted to Facebook. She is clearly not the only one apparently addicted to the popular social networking site, but was the one who came under my microscope. It's been five years since my observation, and what is readily visible today is that a lot of people live online. In cars, at work, in bed, at any time in the day, they activate their browsers and log on to social networking sites mostly. If it is not Facebook, it is MySpace, Google Plus, Skype, Twitter, Twoo et al.

In a way, social networks have made life easier in that they provide the platform for quick information dissemination, airing of views, organization of events, advertising products and services, mobilizing support for positive social action. It is commonplace today to find breaking news on social networking sites before they are reported by local radio and television, news websites, etc.

The social networks have responded to the patronage with further applications such as games, music libraries, etc and have virtually inundated users with scores of appealing services that keep patrons addicted. The social networking phenomenon is here to stay and churches and businesses are also eagerly taking advantage of the passing wave. Products and services are displayed on various pages and churches get their messages across every day with special posts. Their followers help spread the message by sharing those posts.

Social contacts and business relations can be built on these social networking sites. They are goldmines for people interested in active networking for various beneficial purposes. Life couldn't have been better!

Equally, undesirable acts have been perpetuated using social networks. These platforms have been used for scams, profanity, terrorism, etc. This shows that a good thing can as well be used as a force for evil. As to whether or not these negative acts courtesy these platforms can be stopped will be the focus of debates centered on social networking for a long time to come.

There have been and continues to be concerns from some quarters that people spend too much time on these sites at the expense of productive work. These concerns to a large extent may be true because the regularity with which people visit those sites and the time spent on them beg many questions. Too much of a thing, they say is bad. Productive activities cannot and should not be sacrificed for recreation on those sites.

Along with benefits are demerits of serial social networking. The line must be drawn by us, users of these sites to visit them outside productive hours. Whilst we network online, we should as well be cautious as people with bad motives and intents are always looking for others to exploit.

Open your eyes and be vigilant. The social networking craze is here, but it should not make us crazy!

Paul Edem Kuenyefu, a development enthusiast, is an Entrepreneur, Writer, Motivational Speaker and Lay Preacher. He is the author of a wonderful motivational piece, 'TO THE ZENITH'.
pedem99[at]gmail[dot]com