The Recent events in Lagos regarding the protests have been extremely disturbing for me and here’s what I have to say:

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1. In 2014, Facebook performed an experiment using colors to change emotions of users. It worked but users were unaware. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2014/06/28/facebook-manipulated-689003-users-emotions-for-science/

2. I am a firm believer that the global reaction to covid was exaggerated because social media amplified the impact and therefore anyone refusing to react wouldve been seen as irresponsible. A catch22 situation was created.

3. Before then, we saw how xenophobic attacks in SA were amplified by social media causing riots in Lagos cos of the death of 2 Nigerians. At the time & as far as I’m aware, there’s no confirmation of the death of these 2 Nigerians

But the losses/destruction here is irreversible

4. I watched the documentary “The social dilemma” and my belief in social media’s ability to amplify situations was substantiated especially where people are uninterested in verifying information received.

People will believe whatever conforms with their preexisting biases!

5. People who have looked for every excuse to justify their inadequacies and/or amplify dissent/discord for personal gain will take full advantage and flood timelines with false information and wild conjectures.

People already emotional lap it up &cause more long lasting damage

6. With this, my reaction to news is therefore moderated especially as over half of the stories circulating that I personally verified were untrue.

What happened is terrible but the ensuing reaction based on mostly falsehoods & wild conjectures are far more damaging & reaching.

7. Biologically, the chemicals which cause/control Emotions also impede the function of intellect.

Wisdom, control and long term vision for peace is what I have submitted to and though my anger and tears are real, they do not control my reactions.