Social media is a place where most people share their opinions about things that is happening around them or in the world generally, this has helped to reshape some people and it has also destroyed some as well, the way we make use of social media matters a lot, we must know what to post and when to post them, one wrong move can silent a person totally.
Some months ago there was a chaos on the social media especially on TikTok, it happened that the first Lady of the country paid a visit to one of the nursing school in Delta state. Normally, I believe students should be happy to receive her as the first lady, Everyone’s supposed to be on their best behavior. But something unexpected happened that day.
As the First Lady was being welcomed, a song was raised in her honor. A song meant to honor her. It was a song about “mother.” The message was clear, they were calling her “our mother.” But instead of singing along, some students quietly refused. Why? Because they didn’t see her as their mother. People were angry with their government because they had already failed most of us.
One student decided to post a video online showing how some students quietly rejected the song. They didn’t cause a scene. They just didn’t join in. That video, of course, got attention. It moved fast across social media. People could feel the pain, the resistance, the truth in that moment.
But instead of the school listening or showing concern, they focused on the girl who posted the video. She was in her final year. Just months from becoming a nurse. And then the school told her she could be dismissed.
Just like that. One post. One decision. Everything she had worked for years of studying, long hospital nights, tears, and stress was almost gone. Why? Because she shared something that didn’t please the people in power.
It took noise from social media to calm things down. Influential voices stood up for her. They asked, “Is this how we treat our youth? Is this how we silence them?” If not for the people who raised their voices, that student would have been punished for simply being honest.
But this story isn’t just about her. It’s about all of us. Because if we’re being real, most Nigerian youths feel the same way. We’re angry. We’re tired. We’re fed up. The economy downcast is getting intensed now and most people would react in that way, there are issues if insecurity and you expect students to cheer you up.
Social media is only place where people can rant and show their concerns nowadays, but I guess it is no longer save for people to express their opinion again. It seems like voicing out on social media is now a trap. One post and your whole future is on the line.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying people should post carelessly. We must be wise. The internet never forgets. Not everything needs to be said publicly. But at the same time, is it fair to punish someone for showing how people feel? That student’s post wasn’t abusive. She didn’t insult anyone. She just showed the truth. And the truth was uncomfortable.
Schools and workplaces need to stop pretending that the only way to keep order is through fear, they can do better by adjusting their loopholes not to be threatening people because of what they put on social media, it is their ideas, since it is not abuse or going contrary to the companies policies. Discipline is not the same as control. If students reject a song, ask why. Don’t silence them. Hear them out. Sometimes, silence is a louder cry than words.
In my humble opinion, I would say students and young professionals should always think before you post. Not because your opinion is wrong, but because the world is still harsh to those who speak up. Be wise, not silent. Share with sense. Protect your peace. Your future is too important to risk over a moment that might be misunderstood.
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This is my response to this episode of hivelearners community prompt of #Hl-w171e03 which the topic is tagged SOCIAL MEDIA CALLOUT
