Nearly two decades ago, it was projected that advances in technology would, in time, open the floodgates for quackery in the media space—where untrained individuals would exploit new tools to distort narratives, inflame tensions, and disrupt peaceful coexistence in society.
Today, that projection has not only come to pass but has exceeded expectations.
In an era defined by speed and accessibility, the media landscape has become an open field. Unfortunately, this openness has also enabled the rise of untrained practitioners , the so-called “bloggers”—many of whom lack the basic ethics, discipline, and responsibility that define true journalism. With little or no professional grounding, they often prioritize traffic and monetary gain over truth, balance, and societal stability.
The consequences are evident.
Social media platforms, which should serve as tools for information and connection, are increasingly being used to promote division, amplify conflict, and, in some cases, incite hostility. Issues that could be quietly resolved through dialogue are dragged into the public arena, sensationalized, and distorted—all in the race for attention. Even unverified information becomes “breaking news.” All it takes is a mobile device, a data subscription, and a willingness to publish half-formed narratives. What follows is often a stream of warped analysis that escalates tensions rather than calms them.
This trend is not only unethical; it is dangerous.
Equally concerning is the conduct of social media influencers and ordinary netizens. Many comments are laced with vulgarity, personal attacks, and outright abusive language. In the race for likes, shares, and followers, respect and decorum are often sacrificed. Words that demean, inflame, or misrepresent realities can do lasting damage—both to individuals and to the larger community.
It must also be recognized that reckless online behavior is not consequence-free. The Cybercrime Act exists to protect society from misinformation, defamation, harassment, and incitement. If the law were applied as intended, many of the reckless comments and posts circulating online today would attract fines and, in some cases, jail terms. Social media is not a lawless space; accountability is inevitable, whether by law or public judgment.
Ogbomosoland cannot afford this erosion of civility.
For the community to regain and sustain the relative peace it has long been known for, everyone—media practitioners, influencers, and netizens alike—must exercise responsibility in what they publish, share, or comment upon. Journalism and online discourse alike must embrace truth, fairness, balance, and development-oriented perspectives.
There are countless meaningful stories to tell—stories of growth, culture, innovation, and resilience—that can attract attention without fueling division. The media and influencers alike must choose to be a force for unity rather than a catalyst for conflict.
As the Yoruba proverb wisely says, “Eni to ta ara ile re l’opo, ko le ri ra lowo”—he who sells his household members in the marketplace will find no one left to stand with him.
Similarly, when we constantly expose and exaggerate our internal issues in the public space, we weaken ourselves and invite external judgment. If we do not unnecessarily wash our dirty linen in public, outsiders will neither see nor amplify our imperfections.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with all stakeholders—media practitioners, community leaders, influencers, netizens, and the public alike.
The choices made today in how information is shared and consumed will determine whether Ogbomosoland moves toward unity or further division.
This is another defining moment.
And once again, the choice must be peace
