If it didn’t make it to your Instagram story, did it even happen?
If your tweet didn’t go viral, is it even valid?
If you post a fire picture and no one reposts it, are you still hot?
Welcome to clout culture, where attention is currency and validation is addictive. In today’s social media reality, many of us aren’t just living for the camera; we’re performing for acceptance, chasing virality like our lives depend on it.
? What Even Is Clout?
Clout is influence, power, or popularity, especially online. It’s measured in:
Retweets
Followers
Shares
Comments
Shout-outs
Verified badges
Clout makes people listen to you. Clout gives you social leverage. Clout can get you brand deals, invitations, and, in some cases, a whole new identity.
But the line between “influence” and “desperation for attention” is thin. And we cross it more often than we think.
? From Expression to Performance
There was a time when people posted for fun. Now? People post for survival.
We’ve gone from sharing genuine moments to curating personalities that look good online, even if they have no connection to our real lives.
You’re not just dancing—you’re hoping to go viral.
You’re not just talking—you’re chasing engagement.
You’re not just living—you’re editing for applause.
The scariest part? We’re so used to this digital performance that we don’t realize when it becomes our default.
? The Vicious Loop of Validation
Here’s how it works:
You post something.
You get likes and comments.
Dopamine hits. You feel seen.
You want more.
You start adjusting the content to get that feeling again.
It’s not just social anymore; it’s psychological. And it’s dangerous.
Too many young Nigerians are equating their self-worth with online attention. If a post flops, confidence drops. If no one reposts your outfit, you start questioning your style. If your tweet is ignored, you delete it like it never happened.
We're building identities on approval, not authenticity.
? Fake It Till You Burn Out
Social media encourages fake flexing.
Renting clothes or locations for a photoshoot
Lying about travel or income
Posting "soft life" aesthetics on credit
Editing your face into a version of yourself that doesn’t exist
Why? Because perception is power. And in a society where real opportunities are limited, many people use online clout as a shortcut to status, fame, or money.
But at what cost?
Faking it constantly is mentally exhausting. And when the lies catch up, the fall is public, brutal, and often unforgiving.
We’re not saying abandon social media or stop building your brand. We’re saying, don’t lose your identity trying to be seen.
Here’s how to avoid the trap:
- Post what’s real to you, not what’s trending
Unfollow accounts that trigger insecurity
Take breaks when your self-worth starts to dip
Stay grounded offline—have friends who love the real you
Be okay with not going viral every time
Remember: clout fades. Character doesn’t.
?️ Final Thought
Likes aren’t love. Retweets aren’t respected. Reposts aren’t real relationships.
If the algorithm is defining how you feel about yourself, it’s time to log off and re-center.
Because if everyone’s chasing attention, who’s living?
