Zainab Aderounmu 
Social media, especially blogs, will not help you combat anti-intellectualism aka, the olodo uprising. This is particularly because the algorithm rewards engagement and virality over quality. Therefore, the onus to enrich your mind and critical thinking capacity is on you. But how? Let’s examine a few remedies.
First, remember you control your timeline. Inasmuch as the algorithm pops random information on your feed, it mirrors the type of content you pay attention to. If you tend to engage with gossip on random blogs, the algorithm will assume that’s your jam, and will rank it higher. Try it for a few minutes; turn to your instagram or tiktok and engage solely with food content. Almost immediately, as if in a switch, you’ll be bombarded with food content.
Second, never let go of your reading habit. Reading isn’t something you only do in school for the purpose of passing an examination. It’s a life-long commitment that helps you stay educated and knowledgeable, and when you have knowledge, decision making becomes easier. Beyond that, reading gives you the tools with which you can describe your experiences or emotions. It’s the one way you can avoid contributing “omoooo” to an intellectual conversation. Read captions, short essays, long articles, fiction, biographies; always have something you’re reading.
Beyond that, create without relying on AI. I’m not saying don’t utilise AI tools, but rather, do not overly rely on them especially for creative endeavors. As humans, we’re biologically wired to create, which is why overconsumption may sometimes feel depressing. Therefore, overly relying on AI may stunt your creativity and processing capabilities. Every small task becomes ‘undoable’ except there’s an AI tool around. I first noticed my reliance on AI a few months ago. I wouldn’t do anything until I had consulted AI first! As someone who prides herself as a creative-intellectual, the realisation was scary. Write, produce, and create, without seeing AI as the alpha and omega consultant. Most importantly, do not water down your vocabulary or style for the fear of sounding “too intellectual” or “like AI”! Artificial Intelligence doesn’t hold the monopoly of intellectualism, humans do.
Also, engage in nation building. A disengaged citizen endorses the olodo uprising at its highest levels. Rather than spending hours researching the lives of celebrities and debating who wore it better, learn what laws are being debated in the National Assembly. How do they affect you! What can be done? I’m particularly excited that we chose not to forget the victims of the kidnap in Oyo; 56 days later, people were still calling on the government to rescue them. Can we do the same for the same for the proposed Women’s Special Seats Bill?
You are what you consume, and that determines who you become, which ultimately shapes how you contribute to society. The olodo uprising is a product of the bandwagon effect. A crucial solution is to stubbornly evaluate your actions and decisions while propagating accurate information. Stay curious, and actively seek the answer to questions.
About Author
Zainab Aderounmu A. W.
Zainab ADEROUNMU A. W. is a First Class graduate of English Language and the Overall Best Graduating Student from the Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria. She’s a professional Master of Ceremonies, known as The Hijabi Compere , a public speaking coach and Communications Professional. She is currently a Youth advisor to the European Union where she doubles as the Spokesperson and Head of Communications & PR for the Youth Sounding Board.
Latest Edition of IWA Magazine
July 21, 2026
