WhatsApp is probably the most private social media platform that keeps conversations between only the intended parties. Like-minded individuals can have a group to discuss matters of mutual interest.
But some WhatsApp users are abusing this platform - they take screenshots and share it with others to stir gossip, while some throw in pornographic material in professional WhatsApp groups.
But the admins are not any better. WhatsApp admins, you are not gods. Most of you have not achieved any worthy feat in life, nor held any position of influence. No wonder, you lord it over members with such crass, especially new members.
It’s unfortunate that when joins a group of purported professionals, they are bombarded by useless regulations. They are subjected to rigorous drilling about your faith, marital status, political ideology, or even whether you are still a virgin, Ngai!
This madness may give the impression that the group comprises serious fellas. Then after answering the questions, you are temporarily removed to allow for deliberations on whether you can be added or not.
Once you are in, the admin will read you the riots act and code of conduct - no pornographic materials (fair enough), no discussing politics here, members to disagree with decorum, discussions to remain within the confines of the group, if you intend to leave the group, notify members two days in advance and explain in details why you want to leave. Then an established member drops a sex tape and the first comment of a winking emoji comes from the strict admin!
If you are going to post something on WhatsApp, I suggest that you ensure you’re sending it to the right contact to avoid any embarrassment. We don’t want to be traumatised with a picture of your wrinkly nunu meant for your Ben 10!
And with the elections approaching, politicians and their cronies are creating all manner of WhatsApp groups. I found myself in one such group. It was disaster. The members are mostly youth who hurl insults at each other, their parents, girlfriends and genitalia from as early as 5am till past midnight.
At first, being a journalist, I thought I could get story ideas from the political discourses there and thus didn’t protest when I was involuntarily added.
Then there are groups you just cannot leave without creating a perception that you are rude. You hang in there while in reality, you are dying to leave. A friend joked that there are groups where you contribute in every conversation but in others, you are team ‘following.’
I can’t understand how someone can belong to over 50 WhatsApp groups which are all useless. These are groups where they just gossip, katia each other and share porn.
If you want to get personal in a group, kindly just inbox each other. Stop jamming our phones with selfies please. At least contribute even once so that members can feel your presence, even if it’s with an emoji. Some people never say a word, even for months, they just follow silently.
Be careful what you say especially on a forum where you do not know all members personally. Kiherehere might cost you big time.
