The internet has rooted itself as one of the core facets of our lives, whether we like it or not. The ease and access it brings has rewired our experiences, exposing us to the extremes of good and terrible moments all whilst being behind a screen. It has also somewhat expanded our communities from a physical sphere to a digital one, where people are able to connect with others on the other side of the world.
A great tool such as this has no specific guideline on how it should be navigated. As a result, people are left to their own devices, interacting with it in a way that suits them and their interests. Recognising the differing approaches to the internet, Culture Custodian launched a segment dedicated to highlighting the different ways people use the internet and the impact the internet has had on them. In the year the segment has run, we have spoken to a few of your internet favourites including Jola Ayeye, Salem King, Trill Xoe, Idunu Aganga-Williams, Chinasa Anukam and Fresh L who have shared insights on how they use the Internet.
Here is a run down of the patterns we’ve seen through Obasanjo’s Internet entries and the few things we’ve learnt so far.
1. Start Your Day With A Word Of Prayer
A significant number of Obasanjo’s Internet interviewees cited “praying” as one of the first things they do when they wake up. This does not come as a surprise, seeing as a majority of Nigerians identify as religious people and Nigeria is a country that requires benediction to whatever higher being you believe in. The country is tough for religious and irreligious people alike, so it is no wonder religious people try to control the trajectory of their day by putting it in the hands of a higher power. Aside from the spirituality that comes from prayers, it also serves as a few minutes of quiet and introspection before the chaos of the day begins.
2. Have As Many Personas As Is Healthy
We can’t deny that individuals have different personas off the internet . There’s a different face you put forward depending on who you are interacting with. Some might call it being disingenuous, but the most accurate way to see it is how dynamic and multifaceted people can be. Humans are not born with full blown personalities, neither are they expected to remain the same through the years. They evolve, which comes with tapping into different personas that best reflect them. Having an online persona is a natural response to dealing with hundreds of strangers who will probably never meet you in real life.
Ajibola Grey says he relates to the streets and trenches more online, but in real life he is more composed, articulate and eloquent while for Anthony Azekwoh, being an ambassador for digital arts and a role model to many young artists makes him adopt a more serious and courteous persona.
3. How To Get The Best Online Experience
In Lanre Shonubi’s entry, he emphasised the importance of making sure the internet works for you. He believes that a tool that saps a lot of attention from people should also be able to add value to their lives. One of the ways to get a better online experience is by being intentional about the accounts you follow and interact with. Majority of our interviewees have cracked this code by curating their social media feeds to suit their interests. Unfollowing and blocking people whose content don’t align with yours should be the norm. It is best to avoid interactions that do not serve you.
4. No One Wants To Be A Villain
“I’m very peaceful online” says a significant number of our interviewees like Ifeoma Nwobu. Some people’s online presence tends to be peaceful because of how volatile social media, especially Twitter can be. Even the most generic and joyful posts can incite hate comments, talk less of the more controversial opinions.
Regardless, the few people who have generated outrage online never seem to do it intentionally – except Oyindamola “Easy” Adedipe who tweeted about Micheal Jackson being overrated because he was bored and curious to see people’s reactions. No matter how outspoken or uncaring people come across online, their controversial opinions do not always come from a place of disregard. DRB artist, Fresh L, who has garnered a reputation for being controversial online has admitted that some of his statements come from a place of ignorance. While in Richard Ogundiya’s case his dose of outrage made him sympathize with other people who come under the Twitter firing squad.
5. The Essence Of The Internet
We all know how powerful the internet is but there are eureka moments where we are faced with the unimaginable extent of its reach. These moments can be personal in nature or a global experience that just has you in awe. As Richard mentioned, the EndSars protest in 2020 was an example of the force the internet can be. People were encouraged to join the protest because of tweets and videos of their brave peers on the streets. The Internet was a crucial tool in the protest. It was used to mobilise protesters, seek medical, legal and security assistance when needed and towards the end, it became a medium used in rebutting the lies the government seemed intent on telling about the casualties suffered.
According to Pelumi Obanure, the Covid19 pandemic was also an instance of the internet’s reach. . While the world essentially stopped, people found ways to keep in touch with their communities and maintain their sanity through interactions
6. People Are Rooting For You.
As a creative in Nigeria, it is easy to get lost in the hustle of trying to become relevant in your field. It might seem isolating because no one truly understands the goals or realities that are outside their own. But even as the journey starts lonely and people hardly grasp the magnitude of what you set out to achieve, some see your efforts and decide to ride with you all the way. Oftentimes, these people are strangers who recognise your efforts and decide to root for you despite not knowing you. The kind interviewees in Obasanjo’s Internet never hesitate to recommend creatives who they think the world needs to see and hear more of. Some have mentioned a mix of popular creatives like Korty or Blaqbonez, while others make sure to toot the horns of their close friends who they believe the world needs. In all, people are very interested to see others win, and we love to see it.
Catch up on our previous Obasanjo’s Internet entries here, and look out for new entries on our website every Thursday. Stay safe on the Internet.