The 5th edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) unfolded in grand style, spotlighting social media’s transformative power in shaping narratives, fostering collaboration, and addressing societal challenges. With the theme “Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact,” the event attracted dignitaries, influencers, and stakeholders from various sectors.
The event was moderated by the visionary Bodex Florence Hungbo, who guided the discussions with her signature poise and depth. Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr OreOluwa Finnih, S.A. on SDG delivered a keynote address on behalf of the governor.
The presence of Dr OreOluwa Finnih highlighted the Lagos State government’s commitment to leveraging social media as a tool for growth and societal well-being.
The Bodex Social Media Hangout is a distinguished media talk shop that fosters collaboration among social media users, professionals, and stakeholders. Focused on promoting responsible digital citizenship, BSMH aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) to enhance users’ well-being and encourage cultural and societal advancements through social media.
The event emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to address challenges such as fake news, cyberbullying, and online harassment.
A recent survey revealed that 86% of Nigerians have encountered fake news, reflecting the pervasive influence of misinformation on social stability. Additionally, issues like mental health threats, cybercrime, and privacy concerns were discussed as critical challenges requiring immediate attention.
Through its sessions, the event showcased how social media has become a powerful tool for fostering awareness, driving economic growth, and promoting cultural exchange. Speakers and panellists also examined the darker side of digital platforms, including the rise of cyberbullying, mental health issues, and the spread of divisive content.
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panellists who provided unique perspectives on the influence, power, and impact of social media.
Dotun Babatunde explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in the social media landscape, emphasising its impact on the “attention economy.”
Associate Professor Tayo Popoola from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, provided a thought-provoking analysis of social media’s role in society.
Akin Olaniyan delivered a compelling critique of clout-chasing in the social media era. He commented, “Give any moron a smartphone, and anything and everything becomes content. To such a fellow, clout-chasing is an end in itself, and the smartphone just makes it super-easy.” Reflecting on the quality of content creation, he added, “I am tempted to believe that their choice of subjects reflects their intellect, with the more empty-headed being the most daring.” Olaniyan called for ethical standards in digital content creation and urged society to value substance over virality.
The force public relations officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, showcased how social media has revolutionised law enforcement. He stated, “Social media is not just a platform for entertainment; it’s a valuable tool for law enforcement. By leveraging the power of the mass number of social media active users, we can solve more crimes and make our communities safer.” Adejobi shared examples of cases solved through digital platforms and emphasised the need for digital-savvy officers to maximise this potential.
