Accountability or cyberbullying?

Celebrities like Toyin Abraham, Yul Edochie, Zinoleesky, Toke Makinwa, and many others have faced the wrath of cancel culture on social media, receiving criticism from thousands of people.

A few years ago, one could boldly say that cancel culture on social media was almost non-existent in Nigeria. Today, anyone can become a victim of cancel culture by doing something morally or ethically offensive, regardless of whether it was an innocent mistake. The big question is: are the backlashes of Nigerians who engage in cancel culture from a place of calling these figures to accountability, or is it an avenue to bully and project on these figures? Let’s find out.

What is cancel culture all about?

Cancel culture is a term used to describe the public criticism and ostracization of individuals for perceived wrongdoings or offensive statements. It involves calling out and boycotting public figures, businesses, or even ordinary individuals who are deemed to have engaged in offensive behaviour or expressed controversial opinions. Public opinions and criticism have always existed, but they have never been as readily accessible and impactful as they are now. Anonymous critics now wield a newfound influence and hold the potential to shape public conversations. Rooted in the struggle for justice by marginalised communities, Cancel Culture has transcended to a different reality, especially in the Nigerian setting.

What Cancel Culture on Social Media Looks Like in Nigeria

Nigerians are passionate about holding others accountable for their actions, and social media, with its democratised access to information, has transformed the way individuals and institutions are held accountable. In Nigeria, the cancel culture on social media is driven primarily by moral, religious, political, tribal, and social factors. For one, Nigeria operates in a polarized political landscape where citizens’ opinions and actions are shaped by their ideology, loyalty, or affinity to their preferred party. This ardent partisanship can easily dribble into a cancel culture where opposing parties shame and “cancel” individuals who do not align with their convictions. Nigeria’s diversity and complex cultural landscape are also another ground for misunderstandings and cultural clashes on social media. A seemingly harmless statement, content, or action can intentionally or unintentionally offend a different ethnic group, prompting an onslaught of criticism and calls for cancellation. As a morally and religiously conscious region, everyone is a moral police waiting to arrest a culprit guilty of any amoral act and rain backlash on such an individual. They are subjected to online harassment and criticism, sometimes leading to career losses and social isolation.

Does Cancel Culture on Social Media Encourage Accountability or Cyberbullying?

Social Media Cancel Culture in Nigeria has grown beyond holding individuals accountable for their actions or statements to compel repentance and change. The line between genuine accountability and online trolling has become quite blurry. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have made it easier for cancel culture to spread like wildfire. Grievances can quickly go viral and lead to widespread public backlash. Trivial matters can blow out of proportion, and individuals can be targeted because of personal biases and prejudices with little room for nuance or redemption. 

Cancel culture has morphed into an avenue for personal attacks and relentless harassment. Celebrities and even ordinary citizens can become targets of harsh campaigns based on secluded incidents or misinterpretations. A good case study of cancel culture in Nigeria is Yul Edochie. In April 2022, Yul publicly announced actress Judy Austin as his second wife, even though he had already married May Yul for 16 years. This decision sparked widespread controversy and disapproval, and many fans who supported his first marriage were upset by this decision. He has faced constant criticism and online isolation since the time of the incident. The comedienne, Maraji, who recently took to her social media page to share her stance on indecent dressing, received heavy backlash for such opinions and was termed a ‘pick-me’. Toyin Abraham was also lashed on social media for her political affiliation and choice of candidate. These are just a few of the many recipients of cancel culture. 

It is safe to say that the cancel culture trend encourages more cyberbullying than accountability. It is one thing to call people out on their wrongs, and it is another thing to constantly drag an individual to a point where such a person discards the thought of what is right or wrong because, after all, the world ‘dislikes me’. The consequences of cancel culture are quite severe and damaging to business, reputation, and mental health. It’s time to rethink the way cancel culture is approached on social media and find better ways to hold people accountable without resorting to online harassment.

What is more important? Accountability or a comfortable environment online?

In the quest for accountability, a more balanced approach is needed. While its potential for social good and accountability cannot be dismissed, there’s no denying the harmful consequences it can have on the online space. 

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The mob mentality may not be the best way to call individuals and public figures to order, unless in extreme situations concerning the general public.

Public figures should be held accountable for their actions but in a humane manner. There should be room for learning and amends over permanent condemnation, as it limits opportunities for real change and societal progress. Netizens should be guarded before participating in the cancel culture wave. Fact-checking, verifying claims, and understanding intents will help to avoid adding to the ever-growing cycle of online harassment.

In today’s social media culture, anyone can fall victim to public backlash and humiliation online. It’s a truly terrible experience. That’s why careful consideration should be applied when using social media for causes like these. How we treat those we choose to cancel matters. It’s important to consider this and make sure we are doing our part to create a better society.

What are your thoughts on this?

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