One of the impacts of Indonesian independence that we can feel is the freedom in accessing the internet and its social media. However, do we use that freedom responsibly? Or maybe, without you realizing it, you are being ‘colonized’ by them.

We need to understand what is the context of “independence” that we discuss here. It refers to the freedom that must be accompanied by maturity and a sense of responsibility so that freedom can be maintained and bring a positive impact on oneself and others.

Then, what about independence in the context of utilizing social media?

It all has to start with our great understanding of utilizing social media. Digital technology has broken down the ‘barrier walls’ in socializing, which include distance and time. The collapse of the barrier finally made it easier for us, especially virtually, to meet people from various backgrounds, backgrounds, and nationalities.

When we are in the same virtual world, namely social media, we need to try to ask ourselves, do we feel it’s okay if we don’t bring a smartphone? If it is somehow bothering us when we do not have our smartphone with us, we need to find the reason.

Then, how often do we filter the information that we find on social media, including when we build an online community through social media? The two questions above can be used as measuring tools so that we know how independent we are in using social media or it turns out that so far we have been and are still being colonized by social media.

We cannot deny that as time goes by, digital technology and we are inseparable. But how many of you have realized that social media can also be a distraction? How to deal with the side effects of using social media?

Visit our podcast section to hear a deeper and more detailed explanation on the topic “Be Free in Using Social Media” by Daniel V. Lie, President/Global Chief Executive of digima ASIA collaborating with SmartFM Radio on the Smart DigiTalk program.