Why I Have Opted Out Of Some Social Media Platforms By Femi Idowu

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By  Femi Idowu

Many people find owning a mobile phone quite exciting. I believe it’s partly because of the seemingly limitless freedom it confers.
You can call any part of the world from even the remotest part of the world.
You have access to volumes of information.
You can be a part of all sorts of discussions and write virtually anything- whether it’s true or not.
With a mobile phone is freedom of speech like never before!
You need to see how people place curses on each other on issues that’s actually not of any advantage to them.
Of course there’s no way for people to know how old you are or what level of life you’re in. So no room for respect!
Even on platforms where members know each other to some extent, discretion gets easily thrown to the wind and as is usual in many sectors of life, touts take over on many platforms.
I belong to the platform of a church and it’s unbelievable the kind of language used from time to time- very uncomfortable for me.
I personally don’t see most of the issues that lead to throwing tantrums as worthy of depleting your energy so much. I don’t believe in winning arguments, all I wish to do is make my contributions to current affairs.
I am not out to slug it out with anyone. I never compete with anybody. I am not interested in having the last say in a discussion.
Most social media platforms that I know of are however arenas for fights, unnecessary quarrels. They are centres for aggression.
I have decided not to subject myself to such environments. I cherish my peace!
What’s really more painful for me is how some people that I would have thought ordinarily are respectable ladies and gentlemen throw discretion to the wind and so easily imbibe the negative culture of their WhatsApp platforms.
I am a professional and particularly I am a broadcaster.
I know how events should be properly moderated. I know what a discussion should look and sound like. I know what is air worthy. I have been professionally brought up in an environment where you always have a gate keeper to ensure not everything goes through. I have been a duty/desk editor/News producer to ensure only the best content is aired in the most appropriate manner.
So when I find myself on WhatsApp platforms that do not lend themselves to what I believe in, I quickly retreat.
What do I stand to gain at this point in my life engaging in ‘fisticuffs’ on any issue.
What I tell people in counselling sessions is the need to quickly remove themselves or someone near and dear to them from any situation of abuse.
What is happening on many WhatsApp platforms is a lot of emotional abuse, a lot of harassment. I wonder why anyone should endure that.
I believe in living a peaceful life, a good life in which you learn to love your neighbour as yourself.
Any situation I find myself is an opportunity to make more friends.
I am very particular about protecting myself from negative vibes and that makes it quite easy for me to opt out of settings that are not conducive, comfortable for my wellbeing.

Femi Idowu is a veteran journalist based in London.
He was one time Bureau Chief NTA News, Ibadan Bureau