In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It is a platform where we can share ideas, learn, promote our trades and services, and connect with others across the globe.
However, the flip side of this digital coin is the alarming trend of individuals turning their private lives into public discourses.
The demise of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, laid bare the disunity within his family. Instead of mourning the loss of their loved one and call attention to investigating the cause of his death, his family members took to social media to air their grievances, creating a spectacle that drew widespread attention and misrepresentation.
Commentators and trolls alike had a field day, spinning various narratives that further exacerbated the situation, while making money from the process.
This phenomenon is not isolated to the Mohbad family. The Ijoba Lande incident, where a game of “truth or dare” among Baba Tee, Dara and Mary Gold escalated into a public scandal, is another case in point. The episode not only highlighted the level of immorality and decadence among our youth but also raised questions about the role of social media in perpetuating this reckless and carefree behavior.
The story of Oluwadollarz and his wife, Ifelove, is yet another example of how private affairs can become public fodder. What should have been an internal matter was splashed across the internet, leaving the couple’s personal lives exposed for all to see.
This trend begs the question: is this a case of bad parenting or a terrible generation that fails to grasp the permanence of the internet?
What is even more worrisome is the energy everyone puts into discussing all these mundane issues, while issues directly affecting the day to day life of the people are left unattended to.
The question is, have we become so enamored with the idea of online validation that we are willing to sacrifice our private lives for the sake of social media clout?
For some, you don’t need to visit them to know their assets, where they live, what their house looks like, as well as other details about their personal life. All you need to do is to simply visit their social media platforms.
The repercussions of excessive social media exposure can have severe psychological effects on individuals, particularly children and teenagers of people being discussed. The constant need for validation and the fear of being ridiculed or bullied online can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
Moreover, the erosion of privacy and the normalization of public shaming can have far-reaching consequences for our society as a whole. It can create a culture of fear, where individuals are reluctant to express themselves or share their opinions, lest they be ridiculed or ostracized online. This can have a chilling effect on free speech and can undermine the very fabric of our democracy.
The consequences of this behavior are far-reaching. Not only do individuals risk damaging their reputations and relationships, but they also perpetuate a culture of voyeurism and schadenfreude. We must recognize that the internet never forgets, and the digital footprint we leave behind can have lasting implications.
It is time for us to reassess our relationship with social media and the boundaries we set for ourselves. We must learn to distinguish between what is private and what is public, and exercise restraint when it comes to sharing our personal lives online.
Ultimately, it is up to each of us to take responsibility for our online presence and to recognize the value of keeping certain aspects of our lives private. Only then can we hope to reclaim our personal lives and restore the dignity that is lost in the digital age.
Dayo DaSilva,
Abeokuta, Ogun state