Opinion— Descent to the Bottom: The Phenomenon of Public Foolishness in Somali Social Media

Social media in Somalia has evolved far beyond its intended purpose as a platform for communication or entertainment. It has become the central arena where Somalis conduct their political, cultural, religious, and social debates.

 In a country with weak state institutions, an underdeveloped media landscape, and an education system struggling to keep pace with societal needs, online platforms have filled the vacuum—yet they have done so while introducing a troubling and intensifying phenomenon: public foolishness. This collective descent into triviality has dragged the national conversation to unprecedented depths, where reason, dignity, and intellectual integrity are increasingly rare.

Somali social media reflects a society living under constant pressure—political fragmentation, clan competition, economic hardship, and lingering trauma from decades of conflict. In this volatile environment, platforms designed for speed and superficial engagement now serve as the nation’s primary public sphere. They grant equal expressive power to everyone regardless of education, expertise, or responsibility. The consequence has been a dramatic erosion of discourse quality, with academics, politicians, and religious figures too often joining or even leading the descent rather than resisting it.

One of the most alarming features of this phenomenon is the collapse of elite behavior. Academics, instead of providing insight or contributing to knowledge, frequently engage in petty clan disputes or produce content contradicted by the standards of their own professions. Politicians, instead of offering leadership and moral clarity, participate in online quarrels, mimic the tone of informal street debates, or amplify misinformation for political gain. Religious figures, whose voices once carried moral weight, are increasingly drawn into sensationalism—seeking relevance through shock, confrontation, or the oversimplification of complex theological matters.

This top-down erosion is far more destructive than the casual foolishness of ordinary users. When the categories historically associated with wisdom and responsibility succumb to the logic of virality and populist appeal, society loses not only its intellectual anchors but also its capacity to regulate public behavior. The collapse of role models creates a vacuum in which spectacle replaces substance, and the loudest voices—not the wisest—dominate.

The structural roots of the problem run deep. Somalia lacks stable, institutional platforms for civic dialogue, leaving digital spaces to absorb discussions far too complex for their architecture. Matters such as federalism, elections, and inter-regional disputes—subjects that require calm, structured deliberation—are now argued through emotionally charged livestreams or click-driven trending posts. Religious disagreements erupt in explosive exchanges that polarize communities rather than enlighten them. Clan narratives spread rapidly, tapping into old grievances and amplifying divisions.

The speed of digital communication intensifies these issues, but the underlying drivers include longstanding educational weaknesses. Many young Somalis can read and write but lack critical thinking skills that help them distinguish truth from rumor or genuine debate from manipulation. Political instability further polarizes the online environment, encouraging reactionary content over thoughtful reflection. Meanwhile, a cultural vacuum has allowed entertainment-driven and sensational content to eclipse intellectual and artistic expression.

In Somalia, the consequences of digital foolishness do not remain confined to the virtual realm. A provocative video can quickly morph into a nationwide controversy. A careless tweet can inflame clan tensions. A political accusation posted for clout can fuel institutional conflict. A religious assertion made without scholarly rigor can fracture communities. Social media in Somalia does not merely mirror reality—it actively shapes it, influencing social cohesion, political behavior, and even national security.

Equally troubling is the disappearance of credible models of public behavior. Traditional sources of authority—scholars, elders, educators, and statesmen—have not been able to adapt with integrity. Instead of moderating the digital space, many have entered it on its own terms, chasing followers, likes, and influence. Their transformation from guardians of social order into performers within a digital marketplace has weakened the moral and intellectual scaffolding of Somali society.