The discourse on social media in Nigeria takes a different turn. Rather than a noble endeavor to uplift standards, it seems driven by a desire to suppress and control, fueled by malice and a quest for regime protection.
During the confirmation hearings for Ministerial nominees, there was a surprising call for social media regulation from Chief Dele Alake, a figure with a journalism pedigree. At a book presentation by former Minister Babatunde Fashola, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, labeled social media a “societal menace” that must be regulated. The irony struck as he himself had recently faced social media allegations, highlighting the double-edged sword of online discourse.
In a world where hitting the send button can potentially reach millions, the call for regulation gains urgency. The challenges posed by unbridled social media are real, and the debate on regulation continues to echo through the digital corridors. As we grapple with this evolving landscape, the need for thoughtful regulation that balances free expression with responsible practices becomes increasingly apparent. The wild west of social media awaits its regulatory sheriff, and the time for action is now.
In the digital age, the presence of social media stands as a living testament to Marshall McLuhan‘s prophetic vision of a “global village.” The once grand gates of traditional media, guarded by discerning editors and seasoned reporters, have been flung open in the era of social media. Anyone and everyone can contribute to the vast landscape of online content.
However, this democratization of content creation has its drawbacks. Unlike traditional media, there are no gatekeepers ensuring refined and modulated content. The absence of editorial oversight raises concerns about accuracy, taste, and adherence to ethical standards. The creators populating the social media realm lack formal journalistic training, leading to an absence of adherence to professional standards or considerations of social responsibility.
Compounding these challenges, there’s no regulatory framework akin to traditional media. There are no officials to enforce fairness and balance, no umbrella organizations setting high standards, and no commissions to hold practitioners accountable for bias or partisanship.
Jaundiced materials and half-baked articles mark the roller coaster ride of social media content creators, often served to their unsuspecting audience. Sensationalism becomes the norm, especially in societies with delicate fault lines of ethnicity, religion, poverty, and high illiteracy rates.
Even developed societies have faced the consequences, as highlighted in a recent U.S. Senate hearing on the online child sexual exploitation crisis. Allegations were made against CEOs of major social media companies for permitting harmful content that led to tragic outcomes. The potential for harm increases with the rise of artificial intelligence, prompting Western countries to consider preemptive guidelines.
Hence, Nigeria is considering a regulatory body on the issue of social media to curb the menace produced in society through online posting, as it has come to the notice of the government that lots of unfiltered content is roaming the streets of social media causing disruption of peace and tranquility among citizens of the country.
