SOCIAL MEDIA AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIP IN ABUJA CITY

This study x-rayed the relationship between social media and family relationship. Social media are communication platforms evolved by the technological revolutions of the 21st century where users of the channels log on to the Internet to chat and send pictures. These platforms included but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Telegram and Instagram. There is a grmving impression that physical interactions and communications which helped to bond the ties of families members are fast eroding for this virtual communication. To test this claim, this study gathered a population of200 individuals from two residential areas called Efab and Life Camp Estates located within the metropolis of Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, FCT While the study revealed numerous advantages which included advancement in technical know-how, its negatives however are a legion. It was discovered that indeed, many families have jettisoned the usual practice of one-and-one facial communication and interaction for the internet. Many members of the family also spent more time on the social media than they would bond with their loved ones. Rea/time communication is almost dead This, it was further discovered has affected conjugal and spousal bliss. Another negative impact of this is that it has inadvertently encouraged pornography. Children are unwittingly exposed to these sites. To curb this emerging ugly trend, recommendations ,vere made to internet users to consciously reduce the time spent surfing the net. Priorities should also be set while on the net. Physical meetings and interactions still remain one formidable way to achieve credibility in dating and bonding. All this, if adopted, would definitely reduce the current machine-based relationship that seems to have engulfed the world and give a human face to physical communications.