Experts from various sectors of the economy on Sunday emphasised the need to utilise the social media for positive gains.

The experts spoke at the Bodex Social Media Hangout 3.0 (BDSMH), with theme, “Using Social Media in Shaping the Society”, held at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Convener of BDSMH, Florence Hungbo, said the theme was chosen because of her experience with the social media.

“My team came up with this topic because we have gone through so much when it comes to social media.

“The use of social media is sometimes abused just like it has its benefits. The BDSMH is a unique talk-media event designed to create consistent awareness on the abuse of social media.

“It also generates practical solutions through crowd sourcing. BDSMH is dedicated to promoting true journalism by mobilising well trained front runners in the online and traditional journalism space,” she said.

Mr Kolawole Osinowo, who spoke on trends and opportunities in social selling, said that “COVID-19 has reset every brand to the extent that no brand can claim to be big.”

Osinowo said the world would continue to be complicated and there was need to learn how to manage one’s brand either online or offline.

“There is these set of people called ‘Generation Z’, those are the people you will deal with as a brand manager or as an employer.

“There are trends that you need to understand for you to satisfy your customers in these generation. Social media should be seen as a sales strategy not just a sales point,” he said.

Osinowo added that social media became a business model since the breakout of COVID-19 and not just a digital strategy.

He urged brand owners to listen to their consumers online and offline and also monitor competitors as there will continue to be evolving trends with consumers.

“Everything that can be social will be social. Social media is a place to build trust and credibility,” he said.

Mr Femi Babafemi, Director of Media, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who spoke on the “Impact of Social Media on Law Enforcement Agencies”, said social media is utilised as a communication and investigation tool by the agency.

“The agency has realised that social media has come to stay which made the agency adjust to utilising all social media platforms to engage the public,” he said.

Babafemi added that the NDLEA, having realised that those mostly involved in abuse of substances were young people, then targeted them with messages on awareness and drug abuse on all social media platforms.

“Social media also avail the people the opportunity to demand accountability. That is why we engage the people on the Twitter space and other social media platforms,” he said.

Segun Awosanya, human rights activist, popularly known as “Segalinks”, who also spoke on “Impact of Social Media on Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria”, said the social media could be utilised to breach the gap between the people and the government.

Segalinks, who referred to the EndSARS protest, said the intention was also to call the law enforcement agencies to order, following several reports of unprofessionalism before it was misconstrued.

He added that it was a good thing that the social media, to an extent brought the people closer to law enforcement agencies.

Mr Ramon Nasir, a communication expert, who spoke on “Curbing Fake News and Regulating Social Media in Nigeria”, said, fake news destroys humanity as he almost lost his marriage two years ago due to the same menace.

“People have suffered from fake news either as an individual or as an institution. Fake news destroys a lot and we need to put an end to it.

“Fake news destroys the essence of living. Although the rise of social media had availed us a lot of advantages. A lot of us won’t be recognised or be here if not for social media,” he said.

Nasir said social media brings networking, breaks barriers and helps businesses grow.

He further called on stakeholders, influencers, journalists and government to profer solutions to tackling fake news without trampling on the freedom of speech. (NAN)