The Love Central - 7 Proven Ways to Save Your Friendships Before Social Media Drama Ruins Them The Love Central - 7 Proven Ways to Save Your Friendships Before Social Media Drama Ruins Them

7 Proven Ways to Save Your Friendships Before Social Media Drama Ruins Them

For Africans spread across the globe, social media should be a tool that brings us closer to our roots and each other, not one that drives us apart. 
7 Proven Ways to Save Your Friendships Before Social Media Drama Ruins Them
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You see a friend celebrating back in Lagos from New York – the joy is vivid, but beneath, social media drama brews, risking the friendships that tie you to your culture

With 70% of teens acknowledging that social media helps them stay connected to their friends’ emotional states, and over 79% of American adults maintaining at least one social media account, the reliance on these platforms is profound. 

Yet, research shows a stark negative correlation between excessive social media use and the perceived closeness of friendships. 

Here’s how to navigate this digital landscape with an African diaspora context to ensure your friendships remain as strong as our cultural heritage.

The Love Central - 7 Proven Ways to Save Your Friendships Before Social Media Drama Ruins Them
Health experts suggest limiting screen time to avoid the constant bombardment of updates that can lead to feelings of inadequacy Image source Freepik

1. Set Boundaries on Social Media Use

For Africans living abroad, social media often serves as a bridge to home, but it can also be a source of cultural misunderstanding or conflict. To protect your friendships, establish clear boundaries. 

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Decide with your friends what aspects of your personal life, especially those tied to cultural practices like traditional ceremonies or family news, should not be shared publicly. 

Health experts suggest limiting screen time to avoid the constant bombardment of updates that can lead to feelings of inadequacy when comparing your life to the filtered highlights of others. 

For instance, you might agree to avoid social media during family gatherings or cultural events, focusing instead on being present in the moment, much like our ancestors valued communal presence.

2. Address Issues Offline

In the diaspora, where cultural nuances can be lost in translation online, addressing conflicts offline is crucial. When drama arises from posts or comments, resist the urge for a public showdown. 

Dr. Sherry Turkle’s insights in Alone Together highlight how digital platforms can strip away the depth of human interaction. 

Instead, opt for a personal conversation, perhaps over a traditional meal or during a cultural festival, where you can address issues with the respect and understanding that our cultures are known for. 

This approach not only resolves conflicts but also reinforces the communal bonds that are central to African identity.

3. Cultivate Deep Connections

Social media often promotes superficial interactions, which can be particularly alienating for those in the diaspora longing for deeper cultural connections. 

To counteract this, engage in activities that resonate with your cultural roots. Organize regular meetups that celebrate African music, dance, or storytelling, where friendships can deepen beyond the digital screen. 

Plan community events like a Kwanzaa celebration, where the principles of unity (Umoja) and collective work and responsibility (Ujima) can be practiced, strengthening bonds in a way that social media cannot replicate.

4. Manage Expectations and Jealousy

Jonathan Haidt’s work with Jean Twenge on the iGen generation reveals how social media can breed jealousy, especially when one sees friends seemingly thriving or enjoying luxurious vacations back in Africa or elsewhere. 

This can be particularly poignant for diaspora communities where success can be a complex mix of personal achievement and communal expectations. 

Be transparent about your life’s realities; share the successes and struggles, akin to the communal storytelling of African cultures. 

When envy arises, discuss it openly, leveraging the cultural emphasis on community support over individual rivalry.

The Love Central - 7 Proven Ways to Save Your Friendships Before Social Media Drama Ruins Them
The Fear Of Missing Out FOMO can be particularly acute for those far from home Image source Freepik

5. Combat FOMO with Real Experiences

The Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) can be particularly acute for those far from home, seeing friends at cultural festivals or family gatherings online. 

Andrew Przybylski’s studies suggest that real-time features of social media can intensify this feeling. To counter this, create your own memorable experiences that echo the vibrancy of African community life. 

Organize local gatherings where everyone can share their cultural heritage, perhaps a cook-off of dishes from various African countries, or a drumming circle, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing the isolation that digital updates might provoke.

6. Use Social Media to Enhance, Not Replace, Real Interaction

For Africans in the diaspora, social media can be a tool for cultural exchange and keeping traditions alive. Use it to plan physical gatherings where you can celebrate cultural milestones together, like Independence Day for your home country or a naming ceremony. 

Encourage the use of social media to positively reinforce cultural identity, share stories, music, or art from the continent, but always let these digital interactions lead to real-world connections.

7. Educate and Advocate for Digital Literacy

Finally, within your community, promote digital literacy that respects African values. Host educational sessions or talks about using social media in ways that enhance mental health and cultural connectivity.

Discuss how to navigate the digital world while maintaining the communal integrity that defines African societies.

Conclusion

For Africans spread across the globe, social media should be a tool that brings us closer to our roots and each other, not one that drives us apart. 

By following these strategies, you can ensure that your friendships not only survive but flourish, echoing the resilience and unity inherent in our cultural heritage.

READ: The Friendship Audit: Who Should Stay in 2025?

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