Opinion

Social Media Landmines

Published

4 years ago

October 31, 2022

Nigeria is currently hosting the 2022 UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week in Abuja, and the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, was on hand to greet the visitors. and to remind them of the enormity of the task ahead of them during the conference. In his address, he pondered on the current state of the world with special emphasis on the unregulated use of social media and other digital platforms. According to him, there is an urgent need, “for every person to be equipped with the ability to critically evaluate and wisely use the information at their disposal.” The Minister also affirmed the relevance, and timelines of the theme of this year’s Global MIL Week, which is “Nurturing Trust: A Media and Information Literacy Imperative”. Interestingly, I have also been pondering, and thinking historically after I read the ruling of an inquest into the death of 13- year old Molly Russell, who committed suicide in 2017.

As it turns out, the quest for utopia, and the easy life where everything is at the click of a button has brought monumental benefits to humanity. Historically, no technology has ever gained notoriety and ubiquity as social media in such a small time. With 12.5 trillion hours spent on social media by about 4.7 billion persons globally, social media has stamped its place as an inalienable part of everyday life. Data from Datareportal reports reveal that in the last twelve months alone, social media platforms have added 227 million new users. The significance of this information is that 59 percent of the world population is on social media, and spending an average of two hours and twenty-nine minutes every day as of July 2022. The internet made the world a global village, but with mobile technology and social media, our loved ones are just a click away irrespective of their location in the world. Social media adoption across the globe brought with it huge benefits for individuals, businesses, and governments. Individuals, especially young people, have benefited the most, as the social media platforms have emailed them to build social networks, establish new relationships, strengthen existing ones, and even minimize, or end some old ones. It has also helped them develop their communication skills in no small measure.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a case in point, where digital technology and social media came to the rescue when more than half of the world was compelled to stay indoors by an unseen enemy. It was the primary means of staying really connected.It has also become a formidable tool for businesses to reach, acquire, and keep customers. It is so relevant that graduate courses on social media marketing and analytics are springing everywhere. According to some estimates, global spending on social media advertising was above $4 billion in the past year. Going by this figure, social media is on course to replace traditional media channels like newspapers, radio, and television.

Unfortunately, this singular factor is one key reason why a technology that has brought so much good, also causes grave psychological harm that can actually lead to death, as in the case of 14 – year old Molly Russell. There are at least three sources of social media harm, namely the actions of other social media users, user exposure and consumption of harmful content, number of hours spent online, and finally, the actions of social media platforms. A 2018 pew research survey of US teens, conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that one in six teenagers has been the target of six different abusive behaviours online. The research surmised that 90 percent of teens believed that online harassment is a problem, especially for people within their age bracket.The disaggregated data also gave insight into two major dangers of social media. The teenagers reported receiving unsolicited explicit images, and another group reported that they were being tracked by someone other than their parents.

However, even more, dangerous harm is caused by the actions, or inaction of the individual user online; ranging from how often, and how long an individual stay connected to social platforms and the impact on self-esteem due to the consumption of social media content. For instance, another 2018 survey by the Pew Research Center of 750, 13 to 17 -year Olds in the US discovered that 45 percent of teenagers are online constantly. This trend has also been shown in adults with very dire consequences. In fact, a study of 1000 Swedish Facebook users observed that women who spend more time on Facebook reported feeling Les happy and confident. Women compare themselves negatively to photos and selfies of other women. They also compare their lives with the seemingly successful lives of others on social media, and the consequence is a deep sense of unfulfillment.

Even though the actions of the individual user could cause reasonable harm, social media companies bear the greatest responsibility for the harm done by their platforms, especially to children who do not know better. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat have been fingered in several cases of corporate malpractice. They have sacrificed the well-being and lives of young people on the altar of profit. Recent revelations have shown that social media platforms are designed to be addictive; and with endless scroll features, young people are sucked into a vortex of targeted content. Most of the contents targeted at children are sexually explicit in nature, and therefore not age appropriate. Research conducted by 5Right Foundation was able to demonstrate that young people are targeted with unsavory content, including images of self-harm, and pornography. The addictive nature of social media has shown up in the fact that 20 percent of people on at least one social media platform feel they must check them at least once every three hours to avoid feeling anxious. This phenomenon even has a name, ‘Social Media Anxiety Disorder,” or SMAD; and people diagnosed with SMAD find it difficult to carry on a conversation for long without picking up their phones.

They spend as much as six hours on their phones per day to the detriment of school, work, family, and other favourable activities. They also experienced severe nervousness, anxiety, or withdrawal symptoms whenever they are unable to get on social media.Facebook depression is also another new entry in the medical lexicon, and the American Academy of Pediatrics describes it as follows: “When adolescents and teens who spend time on social media begin to exhibit classic symptoms of depression as a result of “the intensity of the online world .” Aspects of social media that contribute to Facebook depression are friend tallies, status updates, and pictures of friends enjoying themselves, all of which can make children with negative self-images feel worse about themselves. Earlier this month, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram was particularly fingered in the death of Molly Russell by a London coroner, Andrew Walker.

The coroner said her death was “ an act of self-harm while suffering from depression and negative effects of online content.” According to him, the content Molly viewed on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest was not safe and should not have been available for a child to see. Following the ruling, Matthew P. Bergman, founder of the Social Media Victims Law Center (SMVLC) noted that Molly Russell’s case was the first time that a social media platform has been adjudicated to have caused the death of a child. According to him, “Russell’s death was not a coincidence nor an accident. It is a direct result of the design decisions that Meta made maximise user engagement over safety, and failure to provide safeguards for vulnerable kids.” Russell’s case is not unique, as SMVLC has an ongoing lawsuit against social media platforms in the US for the death of 11year-old Selina Rodriguez, who was so addicted to Instagram and Snapchat that she developed sleeping disorders, and depression, which eventually caused her death.

By: Raphael Pepple

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi