Social media is an ever-changing landscape, and so taking stock of happenings from time to time is worth the effort. Today, we bring you our favourite highlights of the week!
1. The #DeleteFacebook Movement
In the wake of revelations about Cambridge Analytica’s misuse of Facebook user’s data, Facebook’s crisis escalated as CEO Mark Zuckerberg was Thursday called on to testify before members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. The #DeleteFacebook movement had earlier been fueled by a tweet from Brian Acton (WhatsApp’s Co-Founder). This bruising five-day period for Facebook has seen its stock price plunge.
It is time. #deletefacebook
— Brian Acton (@brianacton) March 20, 2018
Immediately after this tweet, social media users went on to express distrust in Facebook.
Stopped using Facebook. #DeleteFacebook
— RrMahanta (@RrMahanta) March 22, 2018
I deleted Facebook almost 2 years ago and haven’t regretted it one day. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders, try it you might like it!#deletefacebook
— Paul Neufeld (@piratebeardless) March 22, 2018
Although Zuckerberg reassured users of the most important actions to prevent this from happening again, several still felt let down.
Mark Zuckerberg, too little too late. #DeleteFacebook
— Janet Williams (@janetafloat) March 22, 2018
😡 Mark Zuckerberg is afraid of being sued by consumers. The fact is Facebook worked inside the Trump Campaign. They abused there membership's confidentiality with Cambridge Analylitica et al. It was all about MONEY for Facebook #DeleteFacebook 😡
— Alex (@aroseblush) March 22, 2018
While others were of the view that it was a mistake by Facebook and should not call for harsh reactions.
Do not #deletefacebook – give them a chance to address the issues. Everyone deserves a chance. Zuck does too. We are too rash to judge and forget all the good.
— Oleg Vishnepolsky (@ovishnepolsky11) March 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/MaxGustafson/status/976824920163471361
No, I’m not going to #deletefacebook. I will also not be throwing any babies out with any bath water.
We’re so reactionary! We have a great tool at our disposal which means learning how to use it safely and responsibly.
— The "L" Stands for "Laroy". True Story. (@derricklweston) March 22, 2018
2. Dapchi Girls Return
Social media has been flooded with stories of the kidnap of 110 school girls in Dapchi, Yobe State by Boko Haram. The girls were kidnapped by the militant group last month, but returned this week with five reportedly dead and one detained.
Boko Haram militants on Wednesday returned 104 of 110 girls kidnapped from the town of Dapchi, according to the Nigerian government. https://t.co/AY7ihTJY3G
— NPR (@NPR) March 23, 2018
The President, Muhammadu Buhari, promised to ensure the return of the only girl still in their custody.
It is disheartening that one of the girls, Leah Sharibu, remains in captivity. Let me assure that I am as committed to her freedom as I was to the girls’ freedom when all 110 of them were in captivity. We will do everything in our power to bring Leah back safely.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) March 22, 2018
But Social media users were quick to express their opinions on the girls kidnap and release.
Is it that front channel abducted #DapchiGirls and 'back channel' released them? Is this a recycling game? What is happening here? The more you look, the less you see! I am glad the girls are free, but the whole thing looks extraordinarily fishy. There‘s something not quite right
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) March 21, 2018
People waved to boko haram terrorists who drove comfortably into Dapchi then drove out again.
There are so many questions. And at the centre of it all, there is the inescapable conclusion that the #DapchiGirls and their suffering parents were pawns in a game pic.twitter.com/Jku5Gjjvjc
— 20.10.2020 (@I_Am_Ilemona) March 21, 2018
While some were happy about the girls’ release.
We are thankful to Almighty, and then grateful to those who worked tirelessly for the return of #Dapchigirls to their parents. The good news made my day, today.
— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) March 21, 2018
It's a great news Boko Haram returned all kidnapped #DapchiGirls girls back to Dapchi township in Yobe.
It's on unfortunate five are reported dead, Thoughts and prayers are with the families
— FOLORUNSO OLA OLUSEGUN (@OlaWestern) March 21, 2018
Others were of the view it was all a plot and there was bit of foul play.
There's nothing to celebrate in the return of #DapchiGirls.
There's every reason to believe that it was as plot, scam, money laundering scandal.
And those behind it should account for the 5 lives lost.
Cest Fini
— JFK | Jobs! Jobs!! Jobs!!! (@JudeFeranmi) March 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/SKSolaKuti/status/973879483215249408
Dear #Nigeria,
It is morally reprehensible to use children as political pawns in twisted game they never signed up to play.Shame on you! #DapchiGirls@IshaSesayCNN @cnni @camanpour @BBCNews @BBCAfrica @CNN @AishaYesufu @MBuhari @obyezeks @MKabrik @100prayingwomen @BBOG_Nigeria https://t.co/MySi8qzK4g— R. Evon Benson-Idahosa (@findyrPath) March 21, 2018
3. Ibrahimovic Seeks Greener Pastures
Oh yes! Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the self acclaimed ‘Football god’ is off his contract with English Club, Manchester United. This is coming after his ‘not too successful’ spell at the club coupled with his injury woes.
BREAKING: ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC LEAVES MANCHESTER UNITED – https://t.co/TSH2Zr9cWT pic.twitter.com/wWTtEbx3pZ
— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) March 22, 2018
Football Lovers were quick to express their love for the Legend.
https://twitter.com/MeetMrAhmed/status/977072255103569920
wishing Zlatan Ibrahimovic all the best for the future after the striker leaves #MUFC. Thank you for everything, Ibra! 🙌
— Mrinal (@mrinalseethara2) March 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/manutdxtra/status/976877534934716416
And he is rumoured to be pursuing a move to MLS side, LA Galaxy.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaves Manchester United ahead of move to LA Galaxy. #Zlatan pic.twitter.com/DCk3dNKG2K
— Photos of Football (@photosofootball) March 22, 2018
Just one quick fact!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaves Man United having played in less major European finals than Kirk Broadfoot
— Oldfirmfacts (@Oldfirmfacts1) March 22, 2018
We hope you enjoyed this week’s social media roundup. Don’t forget to share and comment!