Humans are inherently social beings. From time immemorial, they have found ways to relate, connect, and build communities around shared values, interests, and purposes. To maintain bonds of friendship and kinship, people have historically travelled long distances—sometimes walking for days or even months—to visit relatives and loved ones. Social interaction, no matter the cost, has always been central to human existence.
Today, thanks to the explosion of information technology (IT), communication has taken a dramatic leap forward. The digital revolution has ushered in an era of rapid and often real-time interaction through various communication applications. Among the most revolutionary of these innovations is social media (SM). Social media platforms have become the fastest and most effective way to mobilise people, share information, and foster connections across the globe.
The Good
Social media, also known as the “new media,” has transformed the way information is created, shared, and consumed. With just a smart device, nearly anyone can broadcast a message to hundreds or thousands of people in seconds. Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram have redefined personal and public communication.
Group interaction is one of the most beneficial features of social media. In many parts of the world, WhatsApp remains a favourite, bringing together colleagues, classmates, family members, and various interest groups. These digital spaces are created for purposes ranging from religious devotion and educational collaboration to entertainment and dating.
In their ideal form, social media groups foster synergy. They provide members with the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, offer support, and work toward common objectives. Families stay in touch, students share learning materials, and professionals exchange insights—all in real time.
Moreover, social media has been a game-changer in reuniting long-lost friends, amplifying marginalised voices, and organising powerful movements for social justice. It has become a tool for empowerment, education, and enterprise.
The Bad
Unfortunately, not all users engage meaningfully. One of the most frequent irritations in social media groups is the habitual forwarding of irrelevant or unsolicited content. Long, repetitive sermons, conspiracy theories, and outdated news are often shared without context or consideration. Ironically, those who share the most content are often the ones who least engage with others’ posts.
This behaviour clutters the digital space and leads to frustration, especially when the same message is forwarded by several people in succession. These users often fail to appreciate the group’s purpose and turn platforms meant for meaningful interaction into dumping grounds for random material.
There’s also the issue of platform overload—where individuals join multiple groups with little interest in understanding their unique objectives. The desire to belong or be visible overrides the need to contribute thoughtfully.
The Ugly
Beyond mere annoyance, there is a darker side to social media usage. Some individuals exploit platforms to dominate conversations, bully others, or force their opinions on fellow members. These self-appointed “thought leaders” use aggressive or dismissive language to suppress dissent, intimidate quieter members, and shift the tone of discussions into toxic territory.
Such behaviour creates a hostile environment, making it difficult for respectful dialogue or genuine collaboration to thrive. The very tools meant to connect and empower become channels of division and discouragement.
Conclusion
Social media is a powerful tool—one that can be used to uplift or to undermine. The good connects, educates, and empowers. The bad distracts, clutters, and frustrates. The ugly divides, intimidates, and silences. As users, we each carry the responsibility to ensure our digital presence contributes positively.
Let us strive to be mindful participants: reading before sharing, respecting group rules, and valuing the voices of others. In doing so, we can help shape a social media environment that is informative, supportive, and inspiring.