In the 21st century, we live in a world dominated by social media. It’s how we communicate with friends and family, how we take in news, and how we follow our favourite celebs.
However, not all celebrities are behind the modern online craze.
Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier believes that social media is dangerous for both kids and adults, with many people glued to their mobile screens on a daily basis.
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Pinterest, Tumblr, and many many more. Social media can be an addictive alternative to face-to-face communication.
Dier told the Daily Star: “We could be here all day! I am a hypocrite really, because I am on Instagram.
“I have a Twitter account but it’s not on my phone or anything. Twitter is really not my problem. The only social media platform that I’m on really is Instagram.
“I don’t think social media is a healthy thing for kids and for adults, as well.
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“I don’t agree with it. I agree that it can be used in the right way and if it’s used in the right way it’s something really positive to reach people that have people looking up to them around the world, fans, kids – it’s a great way to reach them.
“But at the same time, as sportsmen or personalities or anyone with a big following – or even just a normal person – you have to be so careful what you put out there because you are affecting so many people with it.
“Social media – it’s only the positives, isn’t it? You only ever see the positive in every situation.
Dier’s teammates Dele Alli and Harry Kane are both very active on Twitter and Instagram, with the former even running his own Twitch account for streaming his gaming in his spare time.
With this constant coverage comes a responsibility to uphold moral values and a positive role model image.
“Everyone’s lives on Instagram look incredible. It’s so far from reality and I think that’s a dangerous thing.
”I suppose people want it from that point of view. It’s a huge thing nowadays.
“But people just need to be careful how they use it and what messages they want to give.
“I think sometimes people don’t understand how big it can be, or what kind of effect it can have.
“The Dele thing [the hand over the eye celebration thing], to me that was cool and a positive thing that spread fun and joy, and there were people laughing about it. I really enjoy those kind of things.
“But I don’t want everyone looking at Instagram thinking everyone’s lives are better than theirs, because they’re not.
“That’s what happens a lot with social media. There is pressure to use it, because nowadays it’s so important for your brand.
“There are loads of positives but a lot of negatives as well.”
In the current online fuelled world, footballers are pressured to build a strong brand, and to interact with fans more through screens than through meetings.
It’s refreshing to see someone so young in Dier, so aware of the dangers of social media.
What do you think about footballers on social media? Should they be focusing on the job at hand instead?
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