Social Media And Family Relationship In Abuja City

ABSTRACT

This study x-rayed the relationship between social media and family relationship. Social media

are communication platforms evolved by the technological revolutions of the 21st century where

users of the channels log on to the Internet to chat and send pictures. These platforms included

but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Telegram and Instagram. There is a grmving

impression that physical interactions and communications which helped to bond the ties of

families members are fast eroding for this virtual communication. To test this claim, this study

gathered a population of200 individuals from two residential areas called Efab and Life Camp

Estates located within the metropolis of Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, FCT While

the study revealed numerous advantages which included advancement in technical know-how, its

negatives however are a legion. It was discovered that indeed, many families have jettisoned the

usual practice of one-and-one facial communication and interaction for the internet. Many

members of the family also spent more time on the social media than they would bond with their

loved ones. Rea/time communication is almost dead This, it was further discovered has affected

conjugal and spousal bliss. Another negative impact of this is that it has inadvertently

encouraged pornography. Children are unwittingly exposed to these sites. To curb this emerging

ugly trend, recommendations ,vere made to internet users to consciously reduce the time spent

surfing the net. Priorities should also be set while on the net. Physical meetings and interactions

still remain one formidable way to achieve credibility in dating and bonding. All this, if adopted,

would definitely reduce the current machine-based relationship that seems to have engulfed the

world and give a human face to physical communications.