Opening a social media app today whether to learn, connect, or simply unwind can quickly become emotionally triggering. Algorithms now determine much of what we see, and one recurring occurrence that dominates the digital space is the fierce clashes between supporters of one artist or content creator and those of another. These exchanges rarely prioritize understanding or dialogue; instead, they often reflect deep-seated devotion that borders on the current type of worship not directed toward any religious faith, but toward individuals elevated to idol status.
One undeniable revelation of the social media age is the power of numbers. A large following can be admirable when built on knowledge-sharing, creativity, or meaningful service. Yet an emerging concern lies in the anonymous armies behind screens; individuals who once identified simply as fans have increasingly exhibited behaviours similar to the ancient roman mobs. Armed with keyboards and collective outrage, they often appoint themselves as excellent judge of characters just like Jafar in Aladdin. They move in masses as “arbiters of morality, echoing a modern version of the historical “crucify him” in the bible. That quick emotional condemnation driven more by group sentiment rather than thoughtful reflection is worrisome for the future of this Nation.
A recent tragedy illustrates this shift starkly. When a young woman died during childbirth, sympathy was overshadowed by digital detectives who unearthed past posts in which she had wished harm upon rival fan groups. Rather than mourn her passing, some declared her death “karma.” Such reactions reveal how easily empathy can be displaced when group allegiance takes precedence over shared humanity. While the case of the pregnant woman is recent, Performance Rhythm by Marina Abramović in 1974 shows that humans have the tendency to cross moral boundaries where anonymity is present. For six hours, Maria stood motionless beside a table where she displayed seventy-two objects arranging from a rose to a loaded gun: inviting the audience to use them on her without consequence. What began cautiously soon escalated into harm, exposing a troubling psychological truth that when granted permission and protected by group anonymity, ordinary individuals can abandon personal responsibility and cross moral boundaries.
What makes this trend particularly troubling is its reach across age groups. Adolescents and even children are absorbing these patterns, forming attachments to strangers while emotional connections at home weaken. The proverb “charity begins at home” once underscored the importance of nurturing close relationships and community responsibility. Today, however, loyalty is often redirected toward online fandom raising money for celebrities or advocating lavish gifts for people they may never meet. Now you wonder why the first commandment is “Thou shall not worship any God but me” This has shown that the first biblical commandment should not be read with a mindset of a jealous God but as a direct commandment of divine protection of our minds and heart. Showing us that while we worship, we can retain our identify and not lose ourselves in the process. True worship isn’t confined to synagogues or temples but to where our heart pays it’s allegiance and when it is paid unconditionally to people it is idolisation.
What begins as admiration for talent can gradually morph into emotional dependence. Fans do not merely enjoy the artist; they defend them, imitate them, sometimes surrender their own values to remain aligned. Psychologists describe this phenomenon as identity fusion: a state in which the boundary between the individual and the admired figure becomes blurred. The follower begins to experience the successes, criticisms, and conflicts of the idol as though they were personal. Over time, admiration shifts into imitation, and imitation into quiet self-erasure.
Influence is now a form of currency, and visibility confers authority whether earned through wisdom or merely attention. Artists and public figures can inspire transformation, mobilise social change, and give voice to shared struggles. But power, especially when filtered through adoration, carries ethical weight. What makes the brain react this way?Our brains are evolutionarily wired to release rewarding chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin during social bonding, a survival mechanism that can cause us to deeply internalize the successes and failures of those we identify with. I do not join the millions who blame social media for these unhealthy behaviours as social media did not invent this tendency though we agree that it accelerated it. The downsides of fan worship for the most populous black nation in the world is significant because when emotional energy is heavily invested in celebrity conflicts or online rivalries, attention shifts away from personal development, civic responsibility, and community building eroding hours of productivity while digital battles consumes our energy without yielding real-world progress. All is not lost though as there are solutions that can help us regain our senses and self. Digital literacy is an essential step forward. It is important that we understand how algorithms shape perception and individuals can learn to pause and ask; am I choosing this reaction, or is it being engineered? Small habits such as limiting reactive engagement, verifying information before sharing, and stepping back from emotionally charged exchanges help strengthen psychological independence.
While these interventions can encourage healthier fan engagement online, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy can go further by expanding beyond existing cybersecurity and data protection frameworks to implement practical digital literacy and cybersecurity education from nursery through tertiary levels. It should also ensure underserved communities can access and benefit from these initiatives.
Rebuilding real-world connections is equally vital. Strong family ties, mentorship, creativity, and community involvement provide authentic belonging rather than performative validation. For young people especially, education must include emotional regulation, critical thinking, and media literacy, teaching respectful disagreement, healthy boundaries, and discernment of influence.
On a personal level, balance begins with reflection: Who am I without the noise? Practices such as journaling, silence, spiritual grounding, and intentional breaks from screens help restore inner clarity. Mental health professionals caution that extreme fan loyalty can erode self-worth. Comparing ourselves to curated celebrity lifestyles fosters inadequacy, while emotional overinvestment blurs identity. Technology intensifies exposure and creates false intimacy, making disagreement feel threatening and normalizing hostility. Admiration should inspire growth, not self-erasure. A healthy society depends on individuals who engage culture thoughtfully while preserving independent thought.
