By Stevie Ayua
Video content creation has become one of the most powerful tools of expression and economic empowerment for young people today. Across Nigeria and the world, platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have given the youths extraordinary opportunities. With just a smartphone and creativity, a young person can build influence, earn income, and shape conversations globally.
This digital revolution should be celebrated. However, while content creation holds enormous promise, a disturbing trend is emerging:
A significant number of young creators are drifting toward nudity, pornography, and profanity as quick routes to attention and monetization. This direction, though sometimes profitable in the short term, carries long-term social, moral, and psychological consequences.
The Advantages of Youth Involvement in Content Creation.
1. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT:
Content creation has reduced unemployment pressures by enabling young people to earn through ads, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and product promotion. Many youths now support themselves and their families legitimately through digital platforms.
2. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:
Video creation builds skills in communication, editing, marketing, storytelling, branding, and entrepreneurship. These are transferable skills that remain valuable beyond social media.
3. GLOBAL EXPOSURE:
A creator in Jos, Makurdi, Lagos, or Abuja can reach audiences in Europe, America, and Asia. This global visibility opens doors to collaborations and international opportunities.
4. POSITIVE SOCIAL INFLUENCE:
Good content can educate, inspire, entertain, and mobilize communities. Creators can shape culture, promote unity, and amplify important causes.
The Dangerous Drift Toward Immorality:
Unfortunately, many young creators are discovering that shock value attracts quick attention. Nudity, sexually suggestive content, vulgar language, and explicit materials often generate rapid views and engagement. But at what cost?
Erosion of Personal Dignity
Once explicit content is online, it is nearly impossible to erase. What seems like a momentary strategy can permanently define a personal brand.
Reputation and Future Consequences:
Employers, business partners, and even political institutions increasingly review online histories. Explicit digital footprints can close doors to future opportunities.
Mental and Emotional Impact:
Constant pressure to push boundaries for views can lead to anxiety, low self-worth, and dependency on online validation.
Cultural and Moral Impact:
As role models to younger audiences, creators influence societal values. When immorality becomes normalized, the moral fabric of society weakens.
Can You Stay Relevant and Make Money Without Indecency ?
Absolutely !
Many creators are proof of this.
1. FOCUS ON VALUE NOT SHOCK:
Educational content, comedy without vulgarity, lifestyle tips, entrepreneurship advice, tech reviews, relationship guidance (decently handled), and cultural storytelling all attract large audiences.
2. BUILD A NICHE:
Instead of copying trends blindly, identify a specific area:
Agriculture and farming tips
Local culture and history
Motivational speaking
Christian or faith-based encouragement, Dance, Music, Drama, Political analysis (done responsibly), Business and financial literacy.
A strong niche builds loyal followers who value substance over sensationalism.
3. IMPROVE THE PRODUCTION QUALITY:
Good lighting, clear audio, proper editing, and consistency can make decent content compete effectively with sensational content.
4 . COLLABORATE WITH BRANDS THAT SHARE YOUR VALUES:
Many reputable companies prefer clean, family-friendly creators. Brands are often cautious about associating with controversial figures.
5. PLAY THE LONG GAME:
Sustainable influence is built over time. Quick fame fades quickly; credibility lasts.
6. REMEMBER YOUR FUTURE SELF:
Every post should pass this test:
Will you be proud of this in five or ten years from here ?
A CALL TO THE YOUNG CONTENT CREATOR:
Content creation is not the problem; direction is. Our youths are creative, intelligent, and capable of building global platforms without sacrificing dignity.
True influence is not measured by how much skin is shown or how vulgar the language is, but by the value added to society.
Let us encourage a generation that is bold but decent, creative but responsible, popular yet principled.
The digital space is a powerful tool. Used wisely, it can build wealth, shape culture, and secure a lasting legacy. Used carelessly, it can damage reputations and weaken society.
The choice lies in the hands of our young creators.
Go on guys, get busy create content, Yes Good content and “YOU GO STILL BLOW”
Stevie Ayua
Broadcast Journalist
