One minute, you’re scrolling through your feed, chuckling at memes, replying to DMs, and basking in the glory of your latest post that just hit maybe 500 likes. The next minute—gbam! Your account is gone. Vanished into the digital void. No warning, no explanation, just a cryptic message that feels like a slap in the face: “Your account has been disabled.” You stare at the screen, hoping it’s a glitch, refreshing repeatedly like a desperate gambler pulling a slot machine lever. But nope, your account is still missing.
For a moment, you go through all the stages of grief. Denial, “This can’t be happening!” Anger, “Damn Facebook and Instagram!” Bargaining, “Dear Mark Zuckerberg, I promise to never use the ‘Block’ button on my nosy pal again.” Depression, “I’ll never see my followers again.” And finally, acceptance—well, not really. How can anyone accept losing years of effort, content, and connections in a blink?
This might sound funny now, but let me tell you, it’s no joke when it happens to you. For a week, I was thrown completely off balance—a forced digital exile that reminded me just how much of our lives we’ve entrusted to these platforms.
Imagine spending years pouring your energy, creativity, and passion into building an online presence. You’ve cultivated a following, established your voice, and perhaps even built a livelihood around your carefully curated content. Then, in an instant, it’s all gone. No warning. No explanation. Just a cold message: “Your account has been disabled.” #hiss
This is the harsh reality for many individuals who wake up one day to find their access to platforms like Facebook and Instagram revoked. Right now, social media isn’t just a platform; it’s a lifeline for millions. It’s where we connect with friends, share our successes, advocate for causes, and even build our businesses. Being disabled from these platforms feels like being silenced in the middle of a crowded room—your voice suddenly erased while everyone else continues to talk.
For a week, I felt powerless. No jokes, please! my routine was disrupted, my work was affected, and my mental health took a hit. I can laugh now. Lol. And yet, this experience isn’t unique to me. It’s a silent epidemic affecting creators, businesses, and ordinary users across the globe.
This dependence on platforms owned by foreign tech giants reveals a deeper issue. We, as Nigerians and Africans, have allowed ourselves to become overly reliant on tools we do not control. When these platforms fail us—whether through arbitrary suspensions, data breaches, or algorithm changes—we have no recourse.
It’s time for us to wake up. We need to create, own, and control our digital ecosystems. Platforms that reflect our values, serve our communities and respect our voices. Platforms that ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. To the innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts across Nigeria and Africa: this is your moment. Let’s channel our frustration into innovation. Let’s invest in homegrown social media platforms that empower us, rather than limit us.
To governments and private sector leaders, you need to support these initiatives. Provide funding, mentorship, and infrastructure to help African tech thrive and to the users, diversify your presence. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore alternative platforms and advocate for change.
Being disabled from Facebook and Instagram was a painful experience, but it was also a wake-up call. Our digital lives shouldn’t be at the mercy of platforms that don’t understand or value our unique stories.
Let’s take control of our digital destiny. Let’s build platforms that celebrate our voices, protect our rights, and ensure that no one is silenced without cause. After all, the power of social media lies in the connections we create—and those connections deserve a secure and equitable home.
It’s time for us to rise. Together, we can build a future where no one is ever thrown off balance by the whims of platforms that don’t truly see us.
