By way of definition, social media is a computer-based technology that enables users to communicate-sharing information, ideas and networking.
Family values, on the other hand, are behavioural patterns supposedly learned within a traditional family unit, typically of high moral standard and discipline. They are the guiding principles that inform how a particular family makes decisions and live their lives. Strong family values help one’s view in life and determines who one wants to be as a person in life. The values will influence the behaviour one displays, relationship he or she forms and helps such a person to determine what is right or wrong.
Some core African family values are large family practice, hard work, honesty, respect for senior members of the society, religion, integrity, discipline and many more. Many traditional African parents while raising their children ensure they behave well in public and this is motivated by the desire for their children to be perceived as non-violent and polite.
Unfortunately, with the coming of civilization and its trappings like the internet many families especially in Nigeria, have thrown caution to the winds, raising children of questionable character, without strong and positive family values.
How Netizens that is habitual users of the internet or social media communicate on the different social media applications on daily basis, reveals a lot about the shocking rot of family values in present day Nigerian families. Looking for some of the core family values, like respect for senior members of the society and self discipline in the life of many social media users in Nigeria, will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.On social media, most people talk without restraint to others not minding the age or social status of the persons they are referring to. They haul abusive words on anyone that does not agree with their opinion on any issues.
This is heartbreaking! A threat to societal harmony , unity, and development and needs urgent intervention.
Nigerians parents need to go back to the drawing board, revive and inculcate in their children the core family values or ancient landmarks for which the traditional Nigerian families are known for. Any people that lose their culture, their identity will be thrown into the dustbin of history. To avoid this, parents must rise up to the task and teach their children how to behave. It is enough to this display of violence on social media whenever others express contrary views to yours.
Nigerians are religious people and so religious leaders should also up their game and teach their congregants strong moral values and the consequences of moral decadence on individuals, families and the society at large. The religious leaders should emphasize the importance of godly character and its benefits.
Companies that control Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other Social Media handles should also do more in puling down posts that are in bad taste.
Lastly, government at all levels should endeavour to provide social amenities for the citizens. This will go a long way in reducing the constant angry and violent exchange of Nigerians on social media and engender peaceful co-existence.
WRITTEN BY QUEEN ANIGBOGU
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