My people, we need to talk – our google searches are an embarrassment

By: A Disappointed Somali Who Actually Cares

Alright, I’ve had enough. Let’s have an honest conversation about something no one wants to talk about: the state of our people online.

I recently looked at Google Trends to see what Somalis—both back home and in the diaspora—are searching for. I was hoping to see searches about education, business, development, innovation—you know, things that actually move us forward as a people.

But instead, what did I find?

🔹 "Wasmo Somali Telegram" (up 4,650%) – That’s right, explicit content is one of the top-growing searches among our people.

🔹 "Qolka Qarxiska Telegram" (up 3,750%) – Because apparently, ruining each other’s reputations online has become a national sport.

🔹 "Somali Pirates" (+2,150%) – Are we still stuck with this stereotype? Have we not moved past this yet?

Is this really the best we can do?

What happened to us?

Somalis used to be pioneers, traders, scholars, poets, and warriors. We have one of the richest histories in Africa, full of leaders, intellectuals, and world-changers.

And yet, in 2025, our top Google searches are about Telegram leaks, revenge porn, and gossip groups? It’s embarrassing. It’s pathetic. It’s an absolute disgrace.

Our people should be using the internet to build businesses, learn new skills, improve our country’s economy, and support each other. Instead, we are wasting our time with meaningless drama and self-destructive behavior.

We are turning the internet—a tool that could be our greatest weapon for success—into a toxic playground of scandals, leaks, and useless distractions.

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"Qarxis Culture" Is destroying us

Let’s talk about the ridiculous obsession with “qarxis”

🔹 Why do so many of us get joy from tearing each other down?
🔹 Why is ruining someone’s reputation a trending activity in our communities?
🔹 Why do we thrive on seeing others fail instead of helping each other succeed?

The numbers don’t lie. There is more online engagement with exposure culture than with actual progress.

Imagine if we put the same energy and effort into learning business, technology, or investing. Imagine if we were competing to succeed instead of competing to ruin each other’s lives.

We could be thriving. We could be leaders in Africa’s tech industry, dominating online businesses, or becoming a global economic force.

Instead?

We’re arguing in Telegram groups and searching for the latest revenge leak.

We’re wasting a once-in-a-generation opportunity

Let’s get serious for a second.

We are living in an era where:
✅ The internet gives free access to knowledge.
✅ Remote work and digital businesses are changing lives globally.
✅ Countries with less potential than us are making millions off online opportunities.

And yet, instead of focusing on making money, building careers, or improving Somalia, we are fixated on smut, scandals, and Telegram drama.

Meanwhile, Nigerians are dominating e-commerce. Kenyans are leading in fintech. Rwandans are becoming the startup capital of Africa.

And us?

We’re searching for leaked videos and exposing each other.

Do you see the problem?

This is a wake-up call

I don’t care if this offends you.

The truth is, we are on a dangerous path. If we continue wasting time on this nonsense, we will stay behind while the rest of the world moves forward.

Here’s what we should be doing instead:

🚀 Searching for opportunities – Business ideas, investment opportunities, ways to improve Somalia’s economy.

📚 Educating ourselves – Learning skills, getting certifications, preparing for the future.

💡 Building networks – Connecting with successful Somalis, creating communities that support progress, not destruction.

🔄 Changing our mindset – Moving away from drama and distractions and focusing on growth and development.

If we don’t wake up now, we will regret it.

History will not be kind to a generation that had all the tools for success… and wasted them.

Somalis, we must do better.

And it starts right now.

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