Social media or sexual media?
Henry Atta Nyame
Since the rise of social media, many people have questioned its true value.
Some say it helps us connect with friends, grow businesses, and build relationships that might not have happened otherwise. Others argue that it has harmed society by lowering self-esteem, encouraging immoral behaviour, and damaging reputations.
In recent times, a deeply disappointing trend has engulfed social media platforms.
Sexually explicit content is increasingly presented as “trends” or “entertainment.”
Some defend it by claiming, “We are just entertaining the public.” But we must ask: entertainment at what cost?
In the past, in Ghana sex was considered private and sacred. Attempting to spy on someone naked could lead to punishment. Such behaviour was seen as shameful and morally unacceptable.
Parents were cautious about when and where they expressed intimacy.
Pornographic materials were rare and difficult to access. Watching sexually explicit films with parents was strongly discouraged, and most such films began with a clear warning: Parental guidance advised.
Dressing in revealing clothing was frowned upon.
Teenage pregnancy was treated as a serious social concern and a source of public embarrassment.
Moral shift
Today, however, things have changed. It is now common to open platforms like Facebook or TikTok and see couples acting out sexual scenes in bed.
Even more disturbing, some of these videos are recorded while children sleep nearby, with parents attempting to hide them from view.
This has become a competition, with couples trying to outdo each other in daring and explicit content.
High school learners in Ghana are also joining in.
In groups, they record themselves twerking while boys try to undress girls.
These videos appear at swimming pools, concerts, and even classrooms.
Public displays of kissing, smooching, and other intimate acts are increasingly shared online to gain likes and attention.
In one widely shared photograph, two female students were seen in a compromising position.
One stood while the other bent over. What appears as “fun” for the camera may, in reality, be happening behind closed doors.
So, what is happening to our society?
Even more worrying are the reactions of some viewers.
One comment under a video read: “Keep quiet and just watch. It’s their time. Let them enjoy.”
But is silence the right response?
Freedom of expression is important, but freedom without responsibility can damage society.
Social media has enormous potential: it can educate, inspire, and connect people across the world.
Yet it can also normalize behaviour that erodes dignity, respect, and values if left unchecked.
We must ask ourselves: Are we using social media responsibly, or are we gradually turning it into sexual media?
A society that accepts everything will eventually lose its moral boundaries.
It is time to rethink the content we create, the trends we celebrate, and the values we pass to the next generation.
Because in the end, when sex becomes cheap and public, love, dignity, and respect become rare.
Social media should connect minds and uplift society not gradually erode what was once private and respected.
By Henry Atta Nyame
Institutional Assessment Practitioner
