The War of the Media
Viral content rules the internet, but at what cost? Discover how media influence is reshaping our values and moral foundations.
Victory Atet
Victory Atet is a Nigerian writer, editor, and creative strategist whose work explores the intersections of faith, identity, culture, and the human condition. She is the founder of Faith, Art, and Culture (FAC) — a personal and public space dedicated to reflective writing and thoughtful engagement. Rooted in poetry, essays, and editorial work, her writing is shaped by emotional depth, thematic clarity, and a commitment to nuance. With experience in creative support and project coordination, Victory collaborates with individuals and platforms to refine ideas, shape content, and drive intentional communication. She brings an analytical mindset, strong research skills, and a cross-disciplinary approach to every project, believing in the power of language to influence, clarify, and transform.
The War of the Media
By Victory Atet
The Noise That Shapes Us
Have you noticed how nonsense trends faster than wisdom these days?
We live in a time where the media has become more than a source of entertainment. It now shapes how we live, think, and relate. Society increasingly measures itself by what trends online, while moral foundations quietly erode and ethical standards fade into the background.
The Good and the Glitter
There is no shortage of good and educative content online. Many creators use digital platforms to inspire, teach, and inform. Yet, it is often the less impactful and sensational content that gains the most attention and celebration. This imbalance shapes what people value, often prioritizing visibility over virtue.
The Research Speaks
Studies from around the world echo the same concern.
Ge (2023) found that social media use among China’s Generation Z is deconstructing traditional moral systems once anchored in authority. Similarly, Salloum and Karavanova (2024) revealed how mass media reshapes youth values in Arab societies, leading to passive attitudes and shifting norms. Other studies confirm that excessive social media exposure can even affect offline moral behavior among young people.
A Call for Intentional Living
In an age where visibility defines relevance, we must be intentional about what we consume and celebrate. Structure and discipline may seem old-fashioned, but they remain the backbone of meaningful growth and the survival of values that truly matter.
The loudest voices online are not always the most valuable ones.
References
Ge, L. (2023). The influence of social media on the moral system among the Chinese Z generation. Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, 8, 749–754. https://doi.org/10.54097/ehss.v8i.4345
Salloum, A., & Karavanova, L. Z. (2024). The influence of social media and mass media on youth values in Arab societies. Forum for Linguistic Studies. https://doi.org/10.1224/Fls.2024948021
Alani, S. S., & Asafrah, W. (2024). The level of influence of social media networks on social values among Palestinian youth – Facebook as a model. Hebron University Research Journal (HURJ).
Otubue, V. O., & Oji, M. (2024). The influence of social media on moral values and group norms among secondary school students: A study of Delta State. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.v3i5n04
Tags: #SocialMediaCulture #MediaInfluence #DigitalMorality #CulturalShift #YouthAndMedia #ValuesMatter #IntentionalLiving #CultureAndSociety #MediaAwareness #OnlineDiscipline
About Victory Atet
Victory Atet is a Nigerian writer, editor, and creative strategist whose work explores the intersections of faith, identity, culture, and the human condition. She is the founder of Faith, Art, and Culture (FAC) — a personal and public space dedicated to reflective writing and thoughtful engagement. Rooted in poetry, essays, and editorial work, her writing is shaped by emotional depth, thematic clarity, and a commitment to nuance. With experience in creative support and project coordination, Victory collaborates with individuals and platforms to refine ideas, shape content, and drive intentional communication. She brings an analytical mindset, strong research skills, and a cross-disciplinary approach to every project, believing in the power of language to influence, clarify, and transform.