Broadcaster seeks genuine social media use, stronger family bonds

An On-Air Personality, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, has shed light on the influence of social media on modern relationships and communication engagements.

Speaking during a 23rd Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Magret Baire Adebija on Tuesday, she emphasised how social media platforms facilitate connections across geographical boundaries and time zones.

“Social media enables people to connect across boundaries and time, yet it also poses risks to close relationships through oversharing and fostering unrealistic expectations,” she said.

Onyenokwe shared memories and tributes to the late Adebija, emphasizing the importance of cherishing memories and celebrating lives and legacies.

Family and friends also remembered their sister, highlighting her kindness, dedication to her work, and her impact on their lives. They stressed the importance of celebrating life and legacy, offering words of appreciation and support for the family while sharing their grief and nostalgia.

Onyenokwe, while speaking on the topic: “Managing Key Relationships in the Age of Social Media”, warned of the potential risks these platforms pose to close relationships through oversharing and the creation of unrealistic expectations.

She discussed several negative effects associated with social media use, including privacy concerns, misinformation, and addiction.

She highlighted the importance of authenticity in online interactions and advised users to set realistic expectations when engaging on social media.

In her remarks, Onyenokwe underscored the need for balance, encouraging more face-to-face conversations and limiting phone use during meals.

“Social media is designed to connect people and create content; users should be mindful of its curated nature and prioritise genuine engagement over follower counts,” she said.

Reflecting on personal experiences, she noted how the curated highlight reels often seen on social media can lead to miscommunication and comparison, affecting self-esteem and key relationships.

She called for a more thoughtful approach to social media use, advocating for content that resonates authentically with audiences.

“This includes acknowledging the curated nature of social media and the importance of engaging authentically.”

Onyenokwe also shared how she uses social media, including liking and commenting on posts to connect with others, emphasizing the importance of engaging authentically despite the curated nature of social media.

“Reflect on how social media may impact personal relationships. Be mindful of unrealistic expectations from curated social media content. Prioritize face-to-face conversations and limit phone use during meals.”

Speaking on the life and times of the late Magret Adebija, her brother Gbenga Adebija shared a tribute to his sister, born on April 6, 1962.

He said his sister had a distinguished career in broadcasting and publishing while describing her as a loving and kind individual who was deeply missed.

He also recounted the moment he learned of her passing and the profound sense of loss he felt.

A friend, Tope Adaramola, reflected on the enduring presence of his sister in his life, even after her death, and expressed his ongoing grief and longing for her.

Pastor Olu-Alabi’s tribute was a heartfelt acknowledgement of her lasting impact and the deep void her absence created.

Other speakers recounted a personal experience of feeling unwell and being unable to help a loved one during a difficult time.

They expressed gratitude for the support of friends and family and shared memories of their loved one, the late Magret Adebija.