My Experience with Social media platforms

Talking about social media, first time I ever heard about such platform was in 1997. I would like to share those times when I was like 10 years old in Nepal. My Papa bought a latest machine (desktop computer) for my eldest bro. It was not so common to have a system at that time plus internet connection through phone line. MIRC was the first platform I ever heard where we can chat with other people around the world and we were strictly not allowed to use that. My mother used to check on us and say do not use that red chat as advised by my bro.

Now, I understand the reason behind such restriction as we were not mature enough or could have bad impact.
Later on, when I left Nepal and came back to Pakistan I was like 13 years of age. I used to miss my friends and it was hard to get in touch with them. It was through Facebook I get in touch with my old school friends. So cool, never thought of such program which can connect people.

It really played a great role and the purpose was to get people at socializing. I do know people who avoid gatherings and meet up but behind the system, they are more active on social media chatting and commenting with unknown people.

My experience so far is too good and very useful. My eldest bro left Pakistan and went to Sweden with his Family in 2005. It was through Yahoo messenger that we were able to see my eldest bro day and night. My mother saw her grandchildren through Skype and it was like 24/7, we keep that open all day as if they are living with us. One of my bro went to UK for higher studies so we all were connected through social media.

Later on, there was a time when I got addicted to Facebook and chat rooms. I was in Egypt with my parents and there was not much to do. However, my mother always keep an eye on me and at times, scolded me due to excessive use of system. She then make me realized that there should be a limit for everything. I personally think that excessive use was damaging me internally and I was more in my imagination rather than a real person. This control and understanding helped me to recover from addiction. Also what I think is there is a time for such things, I did and moved on. Luckily, didn’t get any negative effect or harm.

Other personal experience I would like to share is of 25 January Egypt revolution held in 2011 when I was there. It was through Facebook and Twitter that people gathered at Tehreer Square to protest against the President. Unbelievable and impressive approach using social media.

On the other hand, what I saw that these social media platforms also had bad impact and negative effects, mainly on the teenagers. Sharing edited pictures of teachers, making fake accounts to chat with girls or vice versa, bullying each other, disrespecting other religions and believes and many other worst things which I cannot think of. Suicide ratio due to such activities are increasing and we need to work together in order to overcome such issues.

My present Experience: Recently, we are using social media platforms to promote our products and is definitely working to boost our business. My company has assigned marketing manager who is in coordination with me on daily basis regarding reviews from customers and then, working on campaigns to spread the word through WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram etc. So, it is the best marketing tool at present.

Conclusion

In my opinion, it is better to find a solution rather than criticizing social media for any reason. We need to educate people specially teenagers for the use and misuse of social media. We cannot stop our children or friends of this era from this but can raise awareness. This should be included and practiced in schools, colleges and universities as well.

“Say it before you run out of time. Say it before it's too late. Say what you're feeling. Waiting is a mistake.” — Haruki Murakami.