Comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has challenged the growing tendency to pass judgment on social media before all sides of a dispute are heard.
Makun made the observation in a post on X, where he likened social media to a “court of injustice” that often gives an early account of an incident disproportionate influence over public opinion.
According to him, once the first version of a controversy gains traction online, users can quickly form opinions and condemn the person at the centre of the dispute before that individual has an opportunity to respond.
He said the pattern has made social media a difficult place for people caught in controversies, particularly when allegations spread faster than verified information.
“The social media court of injustice has always favoured the first-served narrative, often rushing to immediate judgment before the other side is even heard,” Makun wrote.
The actor and filmmaker urged users to be more measured when reacting to allegations or disputes circulating online.
He stressed the need to hear competing accounts before reaching conclusions, noting that an initial narrative may not necessarily provide the complete picture of an incident.
Makun, however, said he believes attitudes may be changing.
He pointed to what he described as recent trends in online discussions as evidence that more people are becoming conscious of the need to consider multiple perspectives.
“I look forward to the day when social media fully embraces one simple truth: there are always two sides to every story,” he added.
Makun said the shift would encourage a more balanced approach to online conversations, particularly in situations where reputations can be damaged within hours by allegations that have yet to be fully established.
His comments come amid continued debates over the influence of social media on public opinion, where viral posts and reactions can shape narratives before further details emerge.
