Opinion:
Social media: A leverage for scammers or citizens’ platform?
The World Wide Web has become like a small room where you can easily glimpse into the lives of your neighbours, whether they are near or far, without leaving your current location.
Undoubtedly, new media has evolved significantly, and its impact on society appears permanent, including both positive contributions and persistent vices.
The Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council case emerged suddenly, while the suspects were initially represented by Adeniyi Adeyemi. As investigations continued, many other agencies and dignitaries were implicated. As we uncover more societal vices, such as recent allegations against the National Identity Management Commission for selling Nigerians’ data for as little as N250, we must remain vigilant.
From my perspective, every innovation comes with challenges, and we must be prepared to face them. As our nation grows, I ask: who is implementing control measures to prevent scammers from thriving?
Is the government addressing the highlighted and other forms of fraud within its system? On social media platforms like Facebook, many scams and clickbait ads go unchecked. If you can pay for ads, your content—even if harmful—can easily go viral. Illicit and sexual content even appears as ads on these sites, raising questions about whether the government, social media platforms, and scammers have some unwritten understanding. This might be an unfounded suspicion, but why do ordinary people who attempt similar dubious acts get arrested, while others do the same and face no consequences? Is this selective judgment?
We have seen people blocked on Facebook for minor reasons unrelated to scams, while clickbait and dubious content remain unchecked. Does society need to understand the connection between social media, government, and scammers, or do the gatekeepers of these platforms need to take stronger action?
In my opinion, social media platforms must regulate their spaces better. As for the government, many skeletons remain hidden in cupboards—politicians get arrested for fraudulent activities as they campaign for office, and the PFIPC case leaves the key players unaccountable. Will these perceived similarities between scammers and government officials ever be stopped?
We should also talk about several events that offer certificates promising citizens and Nigerians seeking jobs more opportunities after taking such courses and coating it all in well-crafted disclaimers. Someone is unemployed, and you’re still collecting what little you have without any assurance of a better life. Is this a scam or not?
Citizens should be aware of looming crises, as the government should be accountable to them; if not, their rights and privileges might just turn to history. Regulatory bodies and the government should also work together to monitor and control social media content, especially clickbait; many people are duped daily. If content is dubious, why allow it to go viral?
