Picture this: You’re walking down the street, minding your business, when suddenly, someone whips out their phone, records you( most times without your knowledge), and posts it online for thousands—maybe millions—to see. You didn’t consent. You didn’t even know. But now, your face, your wig or your koi koi shoe is being laughed at, turned into memes, and spread across the internet like wildfire. Sound disturbing? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening with on social media lately especially with this weird Kpokirikpo Challenge—a new trend where people record random strangers they find “funny” or “interesting” and post them online, all for the sake of engagement. Some of you even go as far as recording people old enough to be your mummy all because you think she looks funny, you then open her up to ridicule , just like thattttt
At first, it may seem like harmless fun. But beneath the surface, this trend raises serious ethical concerns about consent and privacy. The people being recorded are most times unaware, and by the time they find out, the damage is done. Imagine running errands, rushing to work, or even having a vulnerable moment, only to realize later that you've become the internet’s latest joke. It's unfair and, quite frankly, inhumane.
Most of the individuals in these viral clips never gave permission to be filmed or posted. Unlike public figures who are used to being in the spotlight, these are everyday people just trying to live their lives. It’s as if we’ve forgotten basic human decency, like we’ve decided to throw away common sense. Instead of asking, “Is this person okay?” or “Should I offer help?” Or “ma do you need a brush for your wig” many people now instinctively reach for their phones to capture the moment. The priority isn’t compassion—it’s content. I have my own story about something like this, when I went out with a friend and he decided to capture a man who was sleeping ( well in a funny way) we all laughed and he shared it on snap. Tell me why a whole year later the guy messaged him that he saw the video blabla and he know where I am ( Mbok what’s my own๐) but then it could have gotten worse
While some videos are shared with seemingly innocent intentions, many take on a mocking tone. It’s easy to forget that behind the screen, real people with real emotions are being subjected to public scrutiny and ridicule. What starts as a funny clip can lead to a person being recognized, tracked down, or even harassed (Shebi if we no beg, dem for trace me come house come beat me ). The internet is forever, and one viral moment can follow someone for years. In some cultures, taking photos or videos of strangers without permission is considered disrespectful . Beyond that, it raises that ethical question—should entertainment come at the expense of someone else’s dignity?
Social media is powerful, and trends will always emerge. But we, as users, must ask ourselves: *Is this content ethical? Would I be okay if this were me or someone I love?* If you wouldn’t say it or do it in person, don’t post it online. Before sharing a clip of a stranger, consider whether it respects their dignity and privacy. There’s a difference between documenting public events and turning unsuspecting individuals into memes.
Think before you post—would you want to be the subject of a viral joke without your consent? If you see videos that exploit people for laughs, don’t engage. Report it. Before reaching for your camera, ask yourself if it’s really necessary. Maybe, just maybe, a moment requires kindness, not clout. The internet is vast. Let’s push for trends that bring joy without harm.
The Kpokirikpo Challenge may be trending now, but let’s not allow social media to normalize violating people’s privacy for clicks. We can do better, and honestly, we should do better.
If you like sha no listen
Until dem sue one of una or even beat one of una
Now byeeeeeee
Cyberbullying is gradually becoming the norm. I sincerely love how people are prosecuting those cyberbullies.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this.
Words of wisdom handed down to us for free.
ReplyDeleteThank you P!!!