Home Analysis Hurtful online discourse only leads to grim perils

Hurtful online discourse only leads to grim perils

Commentator Jackie Adhyambo delves into the grim perils that arise from hurtful online discourse

by Guest Editor
0 comment
Online

By Jackie Adhyambo

Lately, there has been considerable hue and cry in Kenya over the tone and hygiene of online discourse mainly championed by assorted keyboard gladiators and ‘hooded’ fire-spitting ninjas. Some of the noxious spreaders of offensive online content have thrown all caution to the wind to the extent of using AI to ‘undress’ prominent personalities before parading them on multiple platforms. Browsing through X and other online forums nowadays feels like navigating through a heap of smelly and hazardous waste forged in the devil’s workshop.

Whether we care to acknowledge it or not, the health of a nation is often reflected not just in its economic growth or political stability but also in the mental and emotional mood of its people. When negative sentiments—such as hatred, division, mistrust, and hopelessness—begin to take root in a country’s public discourse, the consequences can be devastating to its social fabric but worse yet to a nation’s long-term future. When hateful content creators deposit toxins in social media spaces, they forget that they poison an arena that will need  detoxifying if the society is to thrive with a future with a more positive outlook.

While challenges are inevitable in any nation and at any given time, how a society chooses to respond to them determines its trajectory of progress. Unfortunately, in the age of social media and 24-hour news cycles, negative sentiments have found fertile ground to thrive with online renegades spurting antipathy and vitriol at the speed of light. Loathsome sentiments, amplified and perpetuated by online platforms become venom that ultimately destroys the foundations upon which whole nations stand.

Also Read  Kenya will find her footing by prioritising patriotism

The modern media landscape, particularly social media, plays a key role in nurturing national sentiment, be it negatively or positively. In the rush for ratings, clicks, and viral content, sensationalist and divisive narratives are often given precedence over balanced reporting or constructive discourse. The consequence is a near-permanent distortion of the lens through which important information is regarded.

One of the most insidious effects of widespread negative sentiments is the deepening of social polarization. Instead of fostering unity around shared goals and values, societies become fragmented, with some of its segments viewing others as adversaries. Whether it’s along political, ethnic, or socioeconomic lines, the divide can only grows wider further diminishing prospects of meaningful national dialogues

When negative sentiments dominate the public sphere, it becomes easy for some political leaders to exploit these divisions for their own selfish ends. Rather than offering solutions, such leaders exacerbate the sense of crisis to rally their base, often demonising opponents in the process. The rhetoric of “us vs. them” becomes the prevailing narrative and mode of whipping emotions in search of political control.

While the social and political impacts of negative sentiments are often discussed, their economic consequences are equally alarming. In a nation where negative emotions dominate the public discourse, business and investment climates often suffer. Investors, both domestic and international, shy away from environments where social and civil strife are likely to occur. Negative sentiments can also lead to decreased foreign direct investment, reduced tourism, and hindered economic growth, as people and businesses seek destinations they consider safer and more stable politically.

Also Read  How a society ends up destroying its soul - Billy Gichohi

Internally, the effects of extreme negativity manifest in flare-ups and confrontations that demand the deployment of funds to quell unrest or civil protests. Public funds that could have been directed toward infrastructure, education, or healthcare are instead diverted to maintaining order and addressing the consequences of anarchy fuelled by heedless and willy-nilly spread of doom and gloom. In reality, long-term economic costs caused by toxic public discourse often exceed any short-term political gains.

Citizens who feel disillusioned or helpless due to the constant stream of negativity may withdraw from civic life, civic engagement, or even entrepreneurship, resulting in a less motivated and less innovative populace. In the end, the entire society becomes less dynamic, less cooperative, and less economically resilient. Only the most reckless and detestable saboteurs can wilfully destroy the mood of a society for “self-entertainment” when the risks posed by the sickening content they share online has far reaching implications.

Meanwhile, the psychological impact of a nation steeped in negativity is profound. Studies have shown that a steady diet of negative news and public discourse can increase anxiety, stress, and depression among citizens. Constant exposure to fear-inducing narratives can undermine a sense of personal agency and hope, fostering a culture of passivity and resignation.

In such an environment, people become less likely to invest in the future—whether that means planning for their own lives or working collectively toward national goals. When individuals no longer believe in the possibility of positive change, society as a whole begins to stagnate.

Addressing the dangers of negative sentiment requires more than just acknowledging its existence; it demands a concerted effort to foster a more positive, inclusive, and forward-looking public discourse. This means challenging the narrative that pits people against one another, and instead promoting narratives of cooperation and collective action.

Also Read  Filthy information destroys the fabric and conscience of a nation

Citizens must take responsibility for the content they consume and share. Social media platforms are not neutral spaces; they are powerful tools that can either amplify negative sentiments or nurture positive engagement. By choosing to engage in respectful discourse, sharing uplifting stories, and rejecting divisive content, individuals can play an active role in healing any social wounds that threaten the nation’s future.

The power of negative sentiments to undermine a nation cannot be overstated and when left unchecked, they impair statehood and breed unending tensions. We Kenyans must stop playing with fire forthwith.

The author, Jackie Adhyambo, is a knowledge management consultant running her own Nakuru-based firm. 

 

You may also like

You cannot copy content of this page