Anochiam Chima :
The Rise of Social Media Emperors: How Some Nigerian Content Creators Are now Weaponizing online Fame.
In recent years, social media in Nigeria has grown from a space for entertainment and expression into a powerful tool for influence. While this shift has empowered many young voices and entrepreneurs, a disturbing trend has emerged — a growing number of content creators are now using their platforms not just to inform or entertain, but to threaten, defame, and destroy reputations.
These so-called "digital emperors" have built massive followings, and with just one post, tweet, or video, they can sway public opinion in seconds. What’s alarming is how easily some of them now play judge and jury over individuals, brands, and companies. A personal grudge or financial gain can turn into a viral "exposé," often with little to no evidence ..just compelling storytelling and emotional manipulation.
For some, it’s no longer about the truth, but about clout. Defaming a company or personality now trends more than praising them. These creators know their audience thrives on outrage, and they exploit this by deciding who to spare and who to cancel, sometimes even hinting at the possibility of taking down a brand unless their demands — financial or otherwise are met.
Companies, especially SMEs and startups, now live in fear of being called out, not necessarily for doing wrong, but for crossing the wrong influencer. A simple disagreement can escalate into a full-blown character assassination online, fueled by viral hashtags and emotional videos.
This weaponization of fame is dangerous. It erodes trust, breeds misinformation, and creates a toxic digital culture where creators act as untouchable gods, immune to accountability. Social media should be a space for justice and free speech, not a battlefield of ego and power abuse.
As audiences, we must be discerning. As platforms, we must demand accountability. And as a society, we must protect truth over trends — before the lines between influence and intimidation are completely erased.
2025-07-17 02:00:48