Zaid Ayyuba Alhaji
In this rapidly evolving digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool that enables individuals to connect across borders and share their ideas, talents, and experiences.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are just a few platforms where millions of users come together to express themselves and build communities. However, a prevailing tendency persists in society to underrate individuals based solely on their popularity and influence on certain platforms.
This essay aims to dismantle this fallacy, reminding us that every person has unique strengths and potentials that go beyond their online presence.
1. THE ILLUSION OF POPULARITY:
Twitter’s fast-paced, concise format has led to its reputation as an influential platform where people debate, share news, and express opinions.
It is often considered the realm of thought leaders and influencers. However, let us not forget that influence on Twitter does not necessarily equate to wisdom or authority in other domains.
Underestimating individuals who are not active or thriving on Twitter is a gross oversimplification of their capabilities.
People with remarkable achievements, expertise, or creativity might simply choose to express themselves differently or focus on other platforms.
2. THE DEPTH OF FACEBOOK:
Facebook, the oldest and most widely used social media platform, offers a different set of capabilities and strengths.
Often perceived as primarily a means for socializing and sharing personal updates, it possesses a tremendous potential for community building, knowledge exchange, and meaningful causes.
Individuals may excel at creating supportive networks, initiating social change, or sharing profound content that resonates with a wide audience.
Dismissing someone’s influence because they are not in the limelight of Twitter reflects a limited understanding of the diverse ways people can impact communities.
3. THE RISE OF TIKTOK:
TikTok’s rapid ascent has captivated the younger generation, providing a creative outlet for short-form videos and entertainment.
It has given birth to a new breed of influencers with staggering follower counts and viral content. However, being “powerful” on TikTok does not necessarily imply superficiality or lack of substance.
Many TikTok creators possess unique talents, such as comedy, music, or choreography, which captivate and uplift their audience. By dismissing their influence, we perpetuate the notion that only traditional forms of art or expertise should be recognized, thus reinforcing narrow perceptions of talent and creativity.
4. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND UNIQUENESS:
Instead of succumbing to the urge to underrate others or diminish their accomplishments based on social media metrics, we should strive for a more holistic understanding of each individual’s capabilities.
Our society thrives on diversity, with talents dispersed across various platforms and domains. Behind every Twitter influencer, there are aspiring filmmakers, passionate educators, and dedicated community organizers waiting to be recognized.
By embracing the unique strengths of individuals across different platforms, we foster an environment that celebrates and uplifts everyone’s talents.
CONCLUSION:
Recognizing the fallacy of underrating individuals solely based on their popularity and influence on specific social media platforms is crucial in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are just a few among countless platforms that allow people to express themselves and connect with others.
By acknowledging the multidimensionality of influence, we will break free from the limitations imposed by digital stereotypes and enable individuals to thrive based on their true talents and passions.
Let us appreciate the diversity of strengths and potentials that exist within each person, transcending the boundaries of platforms and embracing the richness of human expression.
Zaid Ayuba Sir Kuli-Kuli, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Council, writes from Kano.
