Barbarians on Social Media — Soyinka

By Olayinka Awofadeju 

Wole Soyinka expressed concern over the degradation of social media in Nigeria, describing it as overrun by "barbarians" who have replaced intellectual engagement with divisive rhetoric. He emphasized the need for the nation's intellectual community to rescue the country from the negative impact of social media and urged a return to reasoned discourse.

He underscored the continued validity of social media in other regions, highlighting its role as a platform for interaction enriched by intellectual content and reasoned discussions among users in those areas.

He pointed out that in Nigeria, social media has taken a different turn, with a decline in intellectual discourse. He attributes this shift to individuals who have replaced the intellectual aspect with less constructive content, contributing to the platform's diminished quality. 

He voiced his concerns during the 48th President’s party and his honorary membership investiture at the Abeokuta Club in Ogun State, emphasizing the need for intellectual minds to address the decline of social media discourse in Nigeria.

Soyinka discussed the deteriorating state of social media in Nigeria, expressing surprise that a simple disagreement during an election can lead to verbal attack, such as having phobias about certain groups. This underscores the divisive nature and lack of nuanced discourse on the platform..

During the investiture attended by prominent figures, Soyinka advised the intellectual community to play a role in rescuing the nation from the negative impact of social media, referring to it as a "monstrosity." This underscores his call for a more constructive and reasoned approach to online discourse in Nigeria.

“Soyinka observed the prevalence of accusations like ethnophobia on social media, expressing his surprise at the reduction of discourse to such levels. He suggests responding with acknowledgment, stating, "Thank you very much! The complement of ethnophobia is ethnophilia," highlighting the need for a more balanced and understanding perspective in discussions.

“He expressed surprise as people failed to accept outcome of the election. He emphasized the importance of impartially examining facts, considering the possibility of being wrong, and discourages the demonization of opposing groups, highlighting the need for a more constructive and open-minded approach to political discourse..

“Soyinka said he stopped associating with social media, stating that social media has been overtaken by what he considers "barbarians." He laments the decline of the intellectual aspect that makes social media valuable in other societies, stating that in Nigeria, it has been dragged down to the lowest common denominator. This underscores his critical perspective on the current state of social media in the country..

“He expressed his belief in the power of the intellectual community and creativity to rescue Nigeria from the negative impact of social media, which he refers to as a "monstrosity." This underscores his confidence in the potential of thoughtful discourse and creative initiatives to elevate the quality of online interactions in the country.”