Due to the impact social media platforms have in moulding people’s perception, influencers are urged to use their platform to build, contribute positively and improve on the narrative and happenings in the society.
The Panellists gave the advice at the ongoing Social Media Week (SMW) Lagos on Friday while speaking on “Influential Content: Using Storytelling To Drive Social Change In The Digital Age’’.
According to them, the influencers should lend their voices using various media in speaking up against social injustice, holding leaders accountable, as well as inspiring people to positive actions such as running for public office and making their votes count.
A Panellist, Mr Victor Ekpo Bassey, Founder, Expert Business School, urged the public not to ignore the power of storytelling in building good content.
According to him, once one is on social media, he should be mindful of the fact that people are watching what he pushes out and any negative can make or mar the person.
“The word story means a journey and a transformation takes place in the journey which can lead to changes and it behoves on one to be responsible and be able to change that narrative
“The internet is filled with people with specific inclination; so the need to understand that people have various way of communicating. One should not be pushed to do otherwise.
“There is no second chance in social media. People will want to know if you are trustworthy,’’ he said.
Mrs Ugochi Obidiegwu, Managing Partner, Ulomka, said that anyone that wanted to make change happen, should begin with personal change.
According to her, the contents pushed out in social media should be able to help one make good decisions.
“There should be positive digital training and understand the implication of what we are pushing out.
“In pushing contents online, one should be security conscious as anything pushed out is difficult to retrieve when another person has picked it, ‘’ she said.
Another panellist, Oluwatosin Ajibade, Blogger, Olorisupergal, said that story telling was important when one wanted to drive social change in the digital age.
According to her, the positive attributes one pushes out online will help in moulding people’s perceptions of things that happen in the society.
“Every Social media platform has its own way of addressing issues and helping others; so one should know which will be beneficial.
“One should be focused online, understanding that a slip can cost the owner of the content,’’ she said.