Beware of people behind the mask of social media, young users told

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Oct. 29 (EMN): In the wake of the recent tragic killing of a minor girl in Dimapur by a 19-year-old student who befriended her on Facebook, as informed by the police, concerns over the adverse effects of social media, especially among the younger generation, have come to the fore once again.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror, the advisor of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), Rosemary Dzuvichu, said that in this day and age of technology, social media is something one cannot avoid.

“The younger generation is much more adapted to social media than us but at the same time, one needs to be really careful since there are so many kinds of people behind the mask of social media,” said Dzuvichu.

Whether in metropolitan cities or small towns, unfortunate incidents occur everywhere after many young people meet online, she explained.

“While one needs to be in tune with whatever goes on around the world, it is also a question of how much of yourself you really want to expose on social media,” said Dzuvichu.

She said that this is something the younger girls really have to be careful about on social media, when it comes to having a relationship online.

Speaking about the role of parents, especially among school and college-going children, Dzuvichu shared that, as parents, it is not an easy task to curb the use of social media among the children.

“How many parents can actually be vigilant on what is happening?” she asked and pointed out that almost 100% of school-going teenagers own a smart phone these days.

“Parents cannot confiscate the phone but parents can still counsel and talk to their young children while telling them certain facts of life and dangers of the online world,” said Dzuvichu.

Nagaland is no stranger to cyber frauds, with numerous reports of online users from the state being duped by cyber criminals. 

“It is a big concern that there are so many fake profiles, which make a lot of people fall prey to relationships not only with locals but also to outsiders where huge amount of money has been siphoned off,” she said, while stressing the importance of ascertaining the background of the other person.

“These are lessons we need to learn from, and be aware. Parents also have a huge responsibility to remind their children at home; the home environment also plays a major role,” shared Dzuvichu, adding that even schools and colleges need to have more awareness programmes since children are at a vulnerable age at these stages.

The deputy commissioner of police, Dimapur (Zone 1), Naieem Mansury, also told this newspaper that everyone who uses social media should be very cautious and not share any sensitive, private or personal information on any social media platform.

“Once online, always online. Always remain sceptical in befriending strangers online and never transfer money to any persons,” cautioned Manusry.

Echoing the DCP’s caution, Relo Aye, the public relations officer and ACP of Dimapur Police, encouraged people to come forward and inform the police if any red flags or suspicious activities are seen. “Everyone should be alert and aware of the flipside of social media,” said Aye.

The police official further encouraged everyone to always inform a close family member or friend if they plan to meet an online companion physically. “That small information should be given to somebody they trust,” shared Aye.