NOSY NETIZENS - by Jefferson Nnadiekwe

There is an unappreciated wisdom and concern that comes with the advice 'do not post everything on social media'. Often, when that statement is made, it is met with a measure of resistance (as is almost everything these days). People assume that whoever made it has a nefarious intention of trying to stop people from living their lives and enjoying moments. Seriously what's with the growing trend of arguing rather than hearing out? Anyway, whether we like it or not, there is an absolute truth behind the phrase. Last week can be termed a week of weddings - from the much anticipated and divisive union between Nigerian musician; Davido, and his long term partner; Chioma, to the marriage between actress; Sharon Ooja and her billionaire boo. There was plenty to make helpless romantics swoon all over social media. But as always with things like these, where there are well wishers, there are the 'haters' - and boy where there a truck load of them. It was quite discomforting to see people attempt to tear down both weddings with predictions, investigations, and allegations which some were admittedly intriguing. I wouldn't want to go into details of some of the things said, however I assume no newly wed would want to sojourn into a life long commitment having seeds of doubt planted in their heads. Imagine having strangers stake on the longevity of your marriage the very first day it starts. It's not their fault we might think. Of course, they didn't commit any crime by wanting to share their happiness on social media. Yet, the other side of the coin permits that what is shared on public space becomes the public's concern. And everyone on that space can analyze and infer whatever they want in the capacity at which they are able to reason. It's unfair I know, but it's not a crime - and frankly you cannot demand that people mind their business and stay out of your affairs when you brought your affairs to them in the first place. So what do we do? Simple, try as much as we can not to feed the trolls. Do not give room for your joy to be contaminated with negativity. The urge to share stuff on social media has to be curtailed whether we like it or not. Private and intimate moments should be just that - ain't anyone ever died from not posting their wins online. I hear someone counter that these wins are shared to document and preserve the memory. Need I remind you that fond memories have always been preserved by individuals decades before the advent of Instagram or Facebook or X. Family videos on VHS tapes, photo books, journals and diaries - all of which their contents are exclusive to the creators barring the decision to share with a few genuine friends and well wishers. The uncomfortable truth is that we share so much these days on social media to prove that there is something good happening in our lives (keyword: Prove). We want people to see that this good thing is happening to us or we are at a good place. Why else is there a compulsive need to share a private date with a partner with the rest of the world? Or that promotion at work? Some of these things we do as subtle brags and flexes. Don't come for me for judging anyone, because even I do it too (I just try not to be excessive). We share so much while we refuse to acknowledge the bad side. We live in an apathetic world, and current economic hardship has made a lot of people frustrated and unhappy. These people in turn seek to spread their misfortune wherever they can. The perception that someone is happier than they are triggers them to corrupt that happiness. It's not ideal but it's reality. Having known this, it is unarguably wise to protect yourself and family from the infectious by limiting the content we share online. The trolls are always lurking, meaning that our loved ones should be protected from them as best as we can - especially those ones who are not big on social media in the first place. But I cannot tell grown ups what to post or not can I? It's just that the same repeated complaints about trolls on social media is becoming tiring. No matter how loud we scream it, everyone is not going to respectfully receive our posts online. But I guess at the end of the day, the choice lies in the hands of each person.

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