How Nigerian Youths Are Coping with Lockdown: A Study in Online Behavior

The lockdown period has presented a unique challenge to everyone around the world, but perhaps nowhere as intensely as it has in Nigeria. Unable to engage in their usual activities, from visiting friends to attending political rallies, youths in Nigeria have turned to a rather unconventional method to cope: online engagement. Social media platforms have become the battleground for their latest form of amusement and activism, with celebrities, politicians, and even the president being dragged in the center of this storm.

Staying Home, Filling the Void

Historically, staying at home on weekends or holidays was more of a norm rather than an exception. Friends and family gatherings, gym workouts, and other social activities filled the void of routine life. However, the lockdown has introduced an entirely new reality. The confinement to one’s home has led to boredom and disengagement from traditional social activities.

For many Nigerian youths, the solution lies in redefining social interaction within the digital realm. Whether it involves creating hide and seek games, gossiping, or simply making phone calls, the focus has shifted to leveraging the internet to fill the void left by the lack of physical social interaction.

Online Shaming and Entertainment

However, the most striking trend is the use of social media to critique and entertain through online shaming. Nigerian youths have taken to Twitter, where celebrities and politicians have become the primary targets of their amusement and sometimes frustration. The intensity of this behavior is exemplified by the overwhelming backlash that follows any minor misstep or perceived lack of action.

"Just remember, during lockdown, if they have a reason to drag you, they will drag you like the popular tiger generator."

The President's Persona

Even the President, Muhammadu Buhari, has not been spared from this online scrutiny. The nation's leader was subjected to intense social media attacks for various reasons, from not addressing the nation's concerns about the coronavirus during a critical time to mispronouncing "Covid-19." Every slight misstep or perceived mistake has led to further ordeals, with social media users taking to highlighting these moments to create viral content.

Notable cases include the intense dragging of social media personalities like @sydney_talker and @aycomedian, who had to issue public apologies after prolonged probing from the online community. Similarly, the wife of the Nigerian singer Funke Akindele was dragged for hosting a party during the lockdown, leading to legal trouble and the loss of important deals. The names of Toke Makinwa and Burna Boy have also faced similar challenges, garnering new monikers that seem to stick due to the relentless nature of the online shaming.

“Congratulations on your new christening Toke Makinwa and Burna Boy. Ikorodu Lucky Dube and Abule Egba Kylie Jenner.”

The Duality of Nigerian Youths

This online behavior highlights the duality of Nigerian youths: they can boost a career through public support and recognition one day, and tear it down with intense online criticism the next. This phenomenon speaks to a deeper need for engagement and entertainment in the face of the lockdown. However, it also reflects a lack of constructive outlets and a tendency to engage in negativity rather than positivity.

Many Nigerian politicians and celebrities are now walking on thin ice, carefully navigating their online presence to avoid any further online scrutiny. They understand that a single misstep could lead to prolonged and intense public shaming. But the question remains: is this purely for entertainment, or is there a genuine concern and engagement from the online community?

Conclusion

While the lockdown has certainly taken a toll on traditional social activities, it has also brought about a unique form of engagement through online shaming. Nigerian youths have found a way to cope with the changes brought about by the lockdown through social media platforms. However, this behavior could also be seen as a reflection of the lack of other constructive avenues for expression and engagement. As the world moves forward, it will be interesting to see how this trend evolves and what measures are taken to foster a healthier online community.

References

For further reading, explore articles and studies on the impact of the lockdown on mental health, social media behavior, and its effects on political engagement.