In the ever-evolving landscape of bloggers and social media influencers, one thing remains abundantly clear: follower counts have become the ultimate yardstick of vanity. Whether you’re rocking a humble 20, a middling 200,000, or a whopping 2 million followers, these numbers guarantee nothing in the realm of genuine engagement. The digital sphere, it appears, has become an arena where popularity is often synonymous with political bias rather than actual influence.

Substance in the content is rarer than a unicorn, with posts frequently reeking of propaganda and fanatical fervor. True influence, it seems, is wielded exclusively among those who already nod in unwavering agreement. Social media champions the cause of free speech, but along with that freedom comes a paramount duty to uphold facts, show respect, and engage critically with opposing perspectives.

In this era, the definition of “influence” ought to revolve around truth rather than luring unsuspecting souls with a cocktail of falsehoods and personal attacks. It’s time to weigh influence by the scale of authenticity, not merely by the number of virtual acolytes.

by Maria Bratikova

When you go a-seething
Cos Adobo Chronicle’s a-printing
Know your brain‘s a-wasting,
Or, just not existing.

Your body’s a-squirming
You know yah been a-bitching.
No reason, just you accusing
Others of what you’re doing.

Do not use your mediocrity
Nor your native inferiority
To undermine our superiority
You‘ll never top our ability.

This i now tell you, Bro . . .
Quit the nonsense, be true.
Not late a brain to grow
Or find one to borrow.

Will see you tomorrow
Then you will again know
We’re the better honcho
It‘s true you‘re just so-so.