The perils of inordinate social mediation in the digital space, by Omoniyi Ibietan
“In the coming years, we’re going to see even more chaos unfold on the Nigerian social media landscape not because there’s a shortage of creativity or intelligence, but because the race for online monetization is driving people to the edge.
More and more individuals, especially adults who should know better, are resorting to outlandish, senseless, and sometimes outright shameful behaviour just to attract attention. It’s like dignity has become too expensive to maintain in the face of virality. I’m tempted to mention names but let’s keep it straight.
The real tragedy isn’t just the content being produced, it’s the fact that this kind of behaviour is being rewarded. What we see online today is a reflection of what we, as a society, are clicking, sharing, and engaging with.
The so-called “content” that trends most times is not because it holds value, but because it triggers, shocks, or entertains in the most superficial way. The enablers are not only the bloggers who amplify such noise, but also the everyday viewers who watch, comment, and share with so much energy. When you post something thoughtful, educational, or uplifting, it gets ignored. But let someone do something outrageous or meaningless, boom!!! it spreads like wildfire.
This is why we must pause and rethink what we’re promoting. We cannot afford to build a digital culture that thrives on nonsense. We must remember that content is called “content” because it should “contain” something: value, insight, creativity, inspiration, or truth. If what we put out consistently lacks substance, how do we expect to grow mentally, culturally, or economically?
To the creators out there who are still holding on to quality, depth, and purpose; please don’t give up. The numbers may not always reflect your worth, but you’re sowing seeds that matter. Let’s continue to push content that adds value, that informs, that builds!!! not just content that entertains for five seconds and leaves us emptier than before.
May we all find the courage to reject empty noise and the wisdom to celebrate what truly uplifts us. Social media doesn’t have to be a circus it can be a platform for impact.”
I have the permission of Ayodeji Atte to re-story his reasoned submission in my usual polymediation manner. The piece appeared first on LinkedIn. I merely gave the narrative a title and took the liberty to feature my two-year old photo which has been in the archive. Please read the writeup. The photo is just to call your attention and of course to let Joel Nwokeoma know that he’s not the first to take a ‘chieftaincy title’.
