OPINION: Here is a social media tip from communication expert, why being professional in your handles is key- KYULE

June 29, 2026 - Blogs, Opinion & Blogs - no comments

BY TONY KYULE

Youths Should Use Petitions To Put Leaders To Task Instead Of Social Media Bloggers Abuse- FATUMA

Let’s professionalize our Social Media Accounts as they reflects us.

Let’s start with Facebook. “Shem Mpenda Madem,” “Mende ya Statehouse,” and “Sungura ya Majuu” are common names, and I bet most of us have received friend requests from such accounts. Honestly speaking, once I see these kinds of requests, I am keen to peruse their accounts, and the content there is neither admirable nor pleasing to view.

TikTok, on the other hand, seems to dominate most youths today. It is rare to find someone advertising or marketing the products or services they offer as far as careers are concerned. We can all agree that we cannot all be dancers chasing after viral dance challenges. Our lives do not depend entirely on online trends, but our goals ought to be aligned objectively.

Instagram and Snapchat cannot be left behind. Most people spend a lot of time scrolling through content, liking, commenting, and even sharing posts with their friends. Continued dependence on these social platforms can negatively influence the education of students, people’s careers, and even their eyesight, since long screen hours are harmful to the eyes.

X, which was formerly Twitter, also cannot be overlooked. Tweeting, creating memes, and engaging in dialogues associated with matters affecting the country continue to attract nearly the entire population. Although the platform may spark debates and challenge policies, misinformation and disinformation are more likely to spread, hence posing risks to peace and stability.

LinkedIn is a platform often overlooked by many youths. Despite the fact that it deals with professional matters, it is rare to find business people, students, and youths actively engaging there. It is important for us to use platforms like this to learn from experts and understand how to navigate the professional world.

There are also other platforms that can be of great use, especially in learning various skills such as editing, communication, graphics, photography, and writing, among others. These platforms include YouTube and other online educational applications that can be utilized to gain knowledge and skills.

In conclusion, the need to professionalize our accounts is often ignored, yet it is important for personal growth, career development, and building a responsible online presence.

(Tonny Kyule Nyamai is a Communication, Media and Public relations practitioner in Rongo University, Migori)