It is time for a serious conversation about the regulation of social media. The growing trend of individuals going online to announce intentions of self-harm or to “end it all” has become deeply troubling. Beyond the emotional and psychological implications, such public declarations risk normalising harmful behaviour and turning personal crises into tools for attention or virality.
A recent example is VDM and Queen Mitchy drinking Hypo to end it all so they can meet in heaven and continue dragging. This joke is too expensive.
Society appears to be gradually desensitised, sometimes treating these incidents as content rather than cries for help. This sets a dangerous precedent, particularly for young and impressionable users who may interpret such actions as a pathway to relevance or public sympathy.
However, while regulation may be necessary, it must be approached with caution. Heavy-handed measures, punitive fines, or purely criminal responses may not address the underlying mental health challenges driving such behaviour. What is required is a balanced framework that combines accountability, digital responsibility, mental health support, and platform oversight.
Recent actions by platforms such as TikTok, including restrictions on certain live-streaming activities, indicate that digital spaces are already tightening content controls in response to abuse and harmful trends. If governments fail to engage proactively and thoughtfully, citizens may ultimately face broader censorship imposed either locally or by global platforms seeking to protect their brand and users.
The issue calls for responsibility from all stakeholders: government, technology companies, parents, educators, and users themselves. Regulation should protect vulnerable individuals without silencing legitimate expression.
A word, as they say, is enough for the wise.
Dr. Tosin Adesile writes from Abeokuta
