Madam,

The world is toxic in many forms, saturated with ‘drugs’ whose scale and adversity we are only beginning to grasp. I am particularly struck by the heavy-hitting, disaster-striking drug of the new age: Social media. This substance continues to erode the foundations of growth for the youth of this generation. From teenagers to those in their 20s and increasingly the older generation, society is now shivering with the symptoms of digital addiction.

The dilemma has deepened to a point where even the elder generation is entangled. Imagine a child growing up to see their ‘hero’ unmasked, not as the idol they once worshipped, but as a participant in the vitriol of online groups such as ‘Ladies House’. We have become addicts without exception of age, gender or class.

When we log on, we encounter a world of individuals who have consumed themselves in a fiction of mirrors, it is far from real. To believe that social media is a total reflection of life is a flawed delusion. While technology has evolved, the negative dynamics of these platforms have hit our society harder than the positive aspects ever could.

Social media should be a brief respite from reality, not the ‘villainous game’ it has become. We watch people wake up and remain at each other’s throats from sunset to sunrise, seeking the thrill of being a ‘ringleader’ at the cost of their own dignity. While I agree that online personas do not always reflect one’s true character, we must realise that at the feet of perception, reality falls short. Even the toughest ‘I do not care’ attitude crumbles when negative perception limits your professional and personal reach.

The consequences are no longer just social, they are legal and financial. As we have recently seen, the ‘fun’ of ridiculing others or participating in cybercrime can lead to a hefty E9 000 fine and a ruined reputation. Every time you choose to be the ‘star of the show’ by diminishing others, you widen the scope of opportunities you will inevitably miss.

We can enjoy these platforms without abusing them. We must set boundaries. Do not lose out on genuine interactions or future prospects because you could not resist a toxic trend. Even as a silent spectator roaring at the misfortune of others, you associate yourself with a perception that will never speak well of you in your absence.

The world is toxic in many forms, saturated with ‘drugs’ whose scale and adversity we are only beginning to grasp.