By Enigheni Iwori
There is something worrying about how readily we now rely on other people’s opinions, especially those we follow on social media, to make everyday life decisions.
When something happens in our relationships, families, or workplaces, many of us quickly remember an Instagram post, a TikTok video, or a podcast episode that seems to describe the situation perfectly. Suddenly, someone online appears to know exactly what should be done, what should have been done, what deserves a response, what calls for silence, and what should simply be ignored.
We spend a significant amount of time on social media, following people for several reasons. From time to time, these people share personal stories, offer lessons from their experiences, or point out patterns they believe others may be missing. It is perfectly fine to find some of these stories relatable. The problem begins when relatability replaces reflection. Over time, you may start to lose your sense of agency. Your thoughts no longer feel entirely like your own. Your worldview becomes shaped by someone else’s assumptions and even the way you speak begins to change. Without realizing it, you may have allowed yourself to be conditioned by another person’s point of view.
For example, after a disagreement with a partner, friend, or colleague, it is easy to remember a post that says silence is power or that walking away is the only proof of self-respect. However, the missing point is that your situation may be more complex than that. Before borrowing someone else’s conclusion, pause and ask yourself: What actually happened? Why did it happen? Was it within my control? What role did I play? What do I know about this person, this relationship, or this context that a stranger online does not?
Those questions force you to think, reason, and introspect. Context matters. Sometimes you need to weigh both the action and the circumstances surrounding it before deciding what is truly missing. Do not be so quick to separate an action from its context that you forget the person behind the action.
Learn from what you consume. Listen to people’s experiences. Pay attention to patterns. But do not outsource your thinking.
See you next week.
*Enigheni, is a content writer, and can be reached via @eniiwori on Instagram.
