By Joan Odafe
Social media influencers are gaining traction among Nigerian youths, raising alarms among parents, religious leaders, and society at large.
They are worried that flashy online presence is overshadowing core values in shaping the younger generation’s mindset.
This concern stems from the fact that many young Nigerians now look up to social media personalities as role models, often emulating their lifestyles and attitudes.
Unlike traditional role models, these influencers often promote materialism and instant gratification, which can be detrimental to the youths’ personal growth and development.
The impact is evident in the way young people prioritise online fame over education and skills acquisition.
Rev. Fr. Oddiah Clement, Parish Priest of St. Pius Catholic Church, Oka Akoko, Ondo State, attributes the shift in influence to societal changes rather than moral emptiness among youths.
“This shift didn’t happen overnight, and it’s not because today’s youths are empty or morally careless.
“It’s the result of several deep changes in society working together,” he said.
According to the clergy, influence has shifted from depth to visibility, with social media rewarding popularity over wisdom and character.
“In the past, mentors were people you knew personally; teachers, priests, elders, and community leaders.
“Today, influence belongs to those who are most visible, not necessarily most virtuous.
“A loud voice travels farther than a deep one,” he added.
Fr. Clement noted that digital platforms create a false sense of closeness between influencers and young people, with influencers sharing their lives, struggles, and emotions daily.
“When institutions fail to live up to their values, young people stop listening and look elsewhere for direction.
“Society now prioritises wealth, fame, and lifestyle over character and service, making influencers seem like more appealing role models.
“Success is now measured differently, with influencers achieving it quickly and publicly, while moral excellence grows slowly and quietly.”
However, Fr. Clement emphasised that youths are not rejecting values outright.
“This isn’t the death of values; it’s a transmission issue.
“Many young people are searching for identity, purpose, and belonging, and influencers offer them ready-made solutions, even if flawed,” he said.
He urged elders and moral leaders to adapt to digital spaces and share wisdom in a relatable way, citing Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish”.
“The challenge is to present virtue as attractive, speak wisdom in contemporary language, and live authentic lives that can withstand scrutiny.”
Mrs Nkiruka Okafor, a businesswoman, shares similar concerns, expressing discomfort with the false narratives many celebrities and influencers promote online.
“They intentionally promote a life that appears perfect as a smokescreen to their inner struggles for content and likes,” she said.
Okafor says these portrayals mislead young people about success and values.
“They mislead the youths with their so-called perfect life and beauty.
“Unfortunately, they succeed in promoting values that contradict what society has stood for.
“Now, we have a generation that scorns values that have preserved society for many years,” Okafor said.
Olalekan Idowu, a real estate agent, laments the growing disregard for parental counsel among youths.
He recalls when advice from parents and guardians was highly valued.
“These days, kids think their parents are backward and love suffering,” Idowu said, warning that the online obsession with quick success is eroding the value of hard work.
“They want everything fast; no more value for hard work. Those advocating working smart should remind this digital generation that it still takes effort,” he added.
According to Idowu, impatience makes young people vulnerable to unhealthy influences.
“There’s time for everything, but this generation wants to run before they walk; that’s why they get easily carried away by social media influencers.”
Meanwhile, Monisola Bakare, a banker, says there is a misconception that morals, family values, and discipline can not be promoted on social media.
She said the future of society depends on the values kids learn today.
“There are influencers out there advocating good values, but they’re not as loud and popular as the others,” Bakare said, adding that social media influencers should own up to their role in shaping youths and be accountable for their content.
Bakare stresses the need for balance in society.
“Fame shouldn’t replace hard work, and money shouldn’t replace morals. It’s all about finding that balance as we grow digitally.”
Similarly, Aniete Effiong expressed concern about the constant display of money on social media, particularly by individuals who had not worked hard to earn it.
A retiree, Aniete Effiong, expressed concerns about the constant display of money on social media, especially by people who did not earn it the honest way.
“Influencers often publicly spray money and flaunt expensive lifestyles, sending the wrong message to impressionable youths.
“This makes the youth think getting money is easy.
“When reality hits, they feel pressured. Some might even turn to shady means to get cash fast,” Effiong said.
The growing influence of social media personalities is a double-edged sword, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
If wise voices do not engage in digital spaces, the loudest and possibly flawed narratives will keep shaping the future of Nigerian youths.
