I HAVE been on Twitter for 12 years, apparently. I was reminded of this anniversary at the weekend. But there's little to celebrate on the platform since Mr Musk took over.
I have spent those 12 years building up a professional profile, batting off trolls, head-melters, mansplainers and conspiracy theorists. It's not the fun place it once was, so I've been dipping my toe in social media waters elsewhere.
Whilst on this discovery, I've noticed a trend on Instagram and TikTok in particular of young people wanting money for doing nothing, #LazygirlJobs and people telling others they can make lots of money through very little work.
I don't know if this is a post-pandemic phenomena or just a reflection of our celebrity culture and obsessions, but the people pushing these seemingly impossible dreams and unattainable goals have astronomical amounts of followers.
In the age of social media and instant gratification, we as parents, teachers and mentors, have to fight back against these cultural bombardments on the younger generation and take steps to instil a good work ethic that fosters resilience, determination, and realistic ambitions – because if our kids don't become overnight millionaires or wealthy celebrities every night, they will be disappointed.
Social media has given celebrities an unprecedented level of influence over the lives of our young people. With just a tap of a screen, today's youth can immerse themselves in the glamorous and seemingly perfect lives of their favourite stars – their cars, their homes, their jewellery, their relationships – and compare it negatively to their own existence.
Constant exposure to the glitz and glamour can create unrealistic expectations, leading to a dangerous pursuit of fame and fortune without considering the necessary hard work and dedication underlying genuine success. Excessive idolisation can create a distorted view of success, where superficiality reigns over substance. It's not healthy. It's not realistic.
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As parents, guardians and educators, it's our job to encourage our young people to focus on their own strengths, talents and goals, and help them understand that genuine success is built on dedication, perseverance and self-awareness, not mere superficiality.
In this #LazygirlJobs or #FastMoney era revolving around rapid technological advancements, our young people can't help but be sucked in by quick money-making opportunities. The cost-of-living crisis has only exacerbated this. The allure of making a fortune overnight, often through risky investments or get-rich-quick schemes, can be tempting.
The emphasis on overnight success stories on social media and elsewhere only adds fuel to this desire for instant gratification, and it takes our young people's focus off long-term stability, personal growth, the value of hard work and their own strong career development.
Careers teachers up and down the country must surely be close to knocking the Earth off its axis with their eye-rolling after being met with the answer "a millionaire" after asking kids what they want to do as a career. Because this is what our young people are seeing on their phones.
Whether it's a 19-year-old entrepreneur who becomes a millionaire, an overnight music sensation, or a YouTuber who's just bought a mansion, such stories set unrealistic benchmarks for success. This culture of unattainable goals can lead young minds to feel inadequate and discouraged when their own progress doesn't match up to these extraordinary standards.
We need to reinforce that success should not be solely defined by fame, fortune, or external validation. Instead, it should encompass personal growth, a sense of fulfilment and making a positive impact on the world around you.
We need to encourage a 'growth' mindset, where mistakes are seen as lessons and encourage our young people to keep pushing back those obstacles to success in their own chosen field, whatever that is.
And, most importantly, we must lead by example. If kids witness their parents displaying dedication, discipline and a strong work ethic, they are more likely to adopt similar values in their own lives.
