By Krispin Kapindira
In the digital age, where connectivity is just a click away, social media platforms have become the modern-day town squares where youths congregate to form relationships, share experiences, and shape their identities.
While critics often lament the perceived erosion of genuine connections, a closer examination reveals a complex landscape where social media both facilitates and challenges the formation of meaningful relationships among the youth.
First thing in the morning for them, is to check what has been the news and how they can can communicate with their friends.
As the clock strikes noon on yet another day , most youths emerge from their front doors akin to flocks of sheep. Their attention is fixated on iPhones and other media devices as they navigate through neighborhoods.
These digital platforms provide a space for self-expression, allowing youths to present their identities and seek validation from their peers. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok serve as showcases where individuals can craft their idealized selves through carefully curated posts and videos.
While this curated persona may not always reflect reality, it offers an avenue for self-exploration and experimentation, fostering a sense of belonging within online communities that embrace their chosen identities.
Gelad Zgambo, a student studying media for development expressed that, these platforms shape relationships among the youth in a way that they provide a space for connection, emotional support, and a way to express care.
"Although they can also lead to feelings of jealousy or uncertainty about the stability of one's relationship, social media is often a place where they feel more connected to their significant other's life and can share emotional connections." Zgambo added.
Zgambo also said that for people in long-distances, social media is crucial as it allows for constant communication as it provides a visual connection through video calls, and offers a platform for sharing photos and memories which maintains a sense of well-being.
Another media for development student at Chancellor College, Obvious Nkhoma, presents his view saying social media platforms can distract the youths from crucial tasks such as homework, exercise, and spending quality time with family and friends.
"Teens may find themselves spending excessive hours scrolling through feeds instead of engaging in meaningful activities." Nkhoma added.
From such views it is evident that social media platforms goes beyond geographical boundaries, enabling youths to forge relationships beyond the constraints of physical proximity. For many, social media acts as a bridge that connects them to diverse perspectives and cultures, enriching their social interactions and broadening their horizons.
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