Some people can't do without their gadgets PHOTO/FILE
Strange, isn't it, that the term "social media" has become the source of so much antisocial behaviour.
Take the, in my opinion, over-publicised "Roast Busters" case. Though I in no way condone it, the truth is talk like that has been going on for years.
It may have taken place in the locker rooms, at pubs and clubs or documented in "little black books" across the world - but, trust me, it's nothing new. The web has just made it a more public affair.
That's the thing with social media - what used to be discussed in private is now posted for the whole world to see.
So great is its power, you don't even have to be an active social media user to know what's "trending", because conventional media are happy to keep us all in the loop.
In the beginning, like all things new, it was a marvel and a wonder. People fell in love with the idea, but it would only be a matter of time - much like a real love affair - before cracks would begin to appear and through those cracks the bullies and abusers gained entry, took up residence and the honeymoon phase was over.
The web has now become a deadly weapon - it's use, or rather abuse, has cost lives, fortunes, reputations and more. Yet we still can't seem to get enough of it.
While we would never want to fall victim ourselves to the abusers, scammers and public humiliaters who relish this great global platform, we seem only too happy to watch from the sidelines.
The antisocial behaviour continues in other ways, too. We are evolving (devolving might be a better word) into a new species that now prefers to live life online. A mutation, if you like, of the "couchis potatis" - a new breed of creature I shall call "overthetoppus cyberaddictus".
Typically, these creatures are found in a seated position and will invariably have their fingers on a digital device or keyboard at all times. These online socialites, ironically, will display antisocial behaviour by cutting themselves off from the real world and avoiding actual human contact.
They may be sensitive to light as they rarely venture out, preferring the company of their cyber "friends". Those spotted in the wild can be easily identified - so consumed by their need to be online, they will be holding a mobile device and texting and, as a result, can often be seen walking into lamp posts.
In social situations, the OC will appear to be rudely shunning a one-on-one conversation in preference to tweeting or texting. Loss of wifi could bring on a full-blown panic attack or cause hysteria. Do not approach!
From this new species, many sub-species have been created ... trolls, attention-seekers, over-sharers, hackers, scammers and the fakers. Sadly, many have been caught in the world wide web and many more will continue to fall victim.
Just what we need - yet another vice for many to become addicted to. When did you last pick up a pen and actually write something by hand? Is your old fixed landline phone now gathering dust like a relic from the past? How often do you meet and have coffee with a real friend as opposed to chatting on Facebook?
I'm not convinced social media is social at all. Quite the opposite.
Just because something is all the rage doesn't mean that it is right or good. As with anything, moderation is the way. Life is for living - in the real world not online.
You may beg to differ and I welcome your feedback. This old twit can't tweet but I can cope with an email - investik8@gmail.com
Kate Stewart is an unemployed, reluctant mother of three, currently running amok in the city ... approach with caution or cheesecake, but not with a hand-held device.