Obasanjo’s Internet – Tamara Aihie

Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our internet favorites on how they relate to the internet and what it means to them and their work. Today, we’re joined by screenwriter and producer, Tamara Aihie 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Check my messages, emails, and Instagram. And if there’s nothing interesting in any, see if I can sneak another half hour of sleep.

How do you use the internet: for work or pleasure?

It’s a mix of both. I’m a writer so I’m always fact-checking or googling something or the other. But the internet is also full of the most random shit so I like falling down a rabbit hole of internet chaos purely for pleasure.

What moment or episode in your life would you say captured the essence of the internet?

God, see exam question!

So it wasn’t exactly an episode in my life per se but I think the End SARS movement in 2020 was a moment. We all watched the shooting and the insta lives from that and mourned collectively through the internet. And then not too long after when politicians went to do Ijebu inspector gadget by the toll gate, we all mocked them and laughed together through the same internet. Not sure what this says about the essence of the internet sha, that she’s a dynamic messy bitch? I don’t know but yeah, that’s the only moment that I can think of right now.

Your favorite social media platform and why?

Ah, so secretly I hate social media. I get why people like sharing their lives and thoughts and baby pictures on the internet but I don’t know, I just find it long. I don’t have Snapchat or Twitter and the day I blow is the day I delete Instagram forever. But if I had to choose, I guess I’d say TikTok. It’s mostly white people dancing but there are also some really creative, really funny people out there and I love how you can just scroll for hours without seeing the same videos or too many ads.

What was the last meme you saved?

Do you remember the first time something you posted went viral? What was it? How did it make you feel?

I don’t remember oh. I think I posted a clip from some YouTube show I did where I was chatting rubbish. Didn’t make me feel much, I think I was just surprised anyone gave a shit.

What’s the most outrage you have ever generated over something you posted? How did you react to it?

I said something about feminism once and misogynists of all genders crawled out of their holes and wanted to eat me alive. I reacted by ignoring every single one. I never reply to internet trolls. Who has time to sit down and be arguing with mad people?

What rules do you live by on the internet?

Simple: ignore the trolls!

What is your guiltiest online pleasure?

I love those chaotic Reddit threads that are probably made up but full of juicy gist.

Would you say you have an online persona?

Nah. online, offline, the persona stays the same.

What’s your favorite emoji and why?

😩 because it’s literally how I look both when I’m distressed and when I’m dying of laughter. Plus I live in Lagos and is it really possible to tell anyone about your experiences in this Lagos without this emoji being used?

Are you particular about your feed?

Not even a little bit. I love other people’s gorgeous, perfectly curated feeds. But I just don’t have the capacity.

Youtube or TikTok? Which do you prefer and why?

TikTok because nowadays you can’t watch a 2-minute YouTube video without watching 5 minutes of ads.

Which Nigerian creator do you think the world needs to see and hear more of? 

Dare Olaitan. Love his mind.

Who is the coolest person you follow and the coolest person who follows you? 

I highly enjoy following Bretman Rock. He just gets high and buys random pets and lives his best Hawaiian life and I don’t know if it’s cool but it’s me in 10 years so I love it. 

As for the coolest person who follows me, let me blow first then ask me again.

What is your favorite Nigerian podcast?

Low-key Relatable!

Have you ever hooked up with someone you met online? 

Online as per not a dating app? I actually never have oh. I’ve made hook-up plans a few times but I always pussy out. I’m scared someone will cut me into pieces and put me in a suitcase. stranger danger abeg.

5 people you’d love to see answer these questions

TMT, Kayode Kasum, Jola, Ozzy Etomi, and Asake because I think I’m obsessed with him.