Introduction
Humor plays a vital role in fostering social cohesion, communication, and cultural change. Martin et al. emphasize that shared laughter strengthens group ties, creating positive social contexts and aiding in navigating societal complexities. Also,Comedy has proven effective in inspiring social transformation. For instance, American University notes that comedians tackle inequality and race to spark dialogue and reshape societal attitudes. In Cameroon, social media has transformed into a dynamic communication space, enabling users to connect and interact in innovative ways. This report examines how comic trends and viral slang on platforms like TikTok and Facebook influence social cohesion, perceptions, and attitudes in Cameroon.
Popular Cameroonian comic trends such as “Sister Mary,” “Family na one,” and “Calmons donc nos nerfs” by Mc Tatat Poulet, alongside viral phrases like “Waah Papa” by Souverain Arthur and “We move,” highlight how humor seamlessly permeates online interactions. These expressions reflect cultural humor and local identities, fostering unity and shared understanding among diverse communities. Through humor, social media has become a powerful tool for bridging divides and enhancing cultural connections in Cameroon.
Body
Humorous content on social media has a unique ability to connect people across different backgrounds, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration. Viral trends often transcend cultural, linguistic, and geographic barriers, uniting users around shared experiences. In Cameroon, comic trends like “Na we we” have played a crucial role in bringing people together, allowing individuals to bond over familiar jokes, phrases, or situations. CG’s connection to slang began during his childhood, where expressions like “Family na one, we deh together” were part of everyday conversations in his community.These words showed the values of unity and support for each other, which CG later added to his content. They brought a feeling of togetherness and fond memories that connected with his audience.
MC Tatat Poulet’s viral phrase, “calmons donc nos nerfs,” emerged from his personal challenges. Through humor, he shares his struggles with his followers, offering a lighthearted way to cope with stress, turning hardship into resilience through laughter. Similarly, Souverain Arthur’s use of “waah papa” is deeply tied to his experiences in Cameroon. Expressing surprise and frustration, the phrase captures shared struggles of his generation, making his content relatable.These viral slangs, rooted in local culture, act as icebreakers that diffuse tension and foster a sense of belonging among users. They promote relatability and camaraderie, strengthening social bonds in a country rich in diverse cultures and communities.
Internauts easily connect with these trends because they reflect shared experiences, emotions, spiritual beliefs, or cultural elements that resonate with them. Whether it’s a humorous meme, viral slang, or relatable challenge, these trends foster social cohesion by encouraging users to join in collective conversations. Engaging with these trends offer a break from daily stress, providing moments of light-heartedness and connection. By laughing at shared jokes or participating in viral challenges, users find emotional relief and a sense of unity, helping them manage stress and feel less isolated in their personal struggles.
Again,Humor is being used as a medium for civic engagement and sensitization in Cameroon. Content creators like CG, known for his phrase “Sister Mary” have effectively used this to raise awareness about important social issues. Through his contents, CG raises awareness about breast cancer, using the relatable character of Sister Mary to engage audiences in an approachable and humorous way. He takes the role of a local grocery vendor who knows everything happening in her community and shares information about breast cancer and how it can be prevented. This blending of humor and awareness ensures that serious topics resonate more deeply with audiences as they often experience such scenarios in their real life,making them more likely to absorb and act on the information.CG has distinguished himself by perfectly embodying the role of a local woman through his tone and mannerisms, all without resorting to cross-dressing,a common practice among many male content creators. This unique approach not only sets him apart but also deepens his connection with the audience, who appreciate the genuine portrayal of local culture and humor.
Another notable content creator, Souverain Arthur has popularized the phrase “Waaah papa,” which resonates with a wide audience across social and generational divides. Arthur uses this slang not only to entertain but also to address civic issues, such as the importance of participating in elections and highlighting challenges like the unavailability of ID cards. Through humor, these creators are able to make civic education more relatable, encouraging greater civic participation and awareness.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhPkvBuQ
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhAQ19j4
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhyfuVby/ /https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhAxQtYT/
(Links of CG and Souverain Arthur videos )
Moreover, Humor serves as a powerful tool for conflict resolution, especially in online spaces where disagreements can quickly escalate. Engaging with comic trends on social media provides users with a shared language that transcends cultural and linguistic differences. By using humor to communicate concerns, individuals have addressed issues in a more approachable manner, leading to constructive dialogue rather than hostile confrontations.
A prime example of this is the use of the slang “Calmons donc nos nerfs” popularized by comedian MC Tatat Poulet. This phrase, which translates to “Let’s calm down, no stress,” is often used in tense social situations to solve conflicts and encourage people to take a step back from aggressive behavior. The phrase has gained popularity not only online but also in real-life gatherings, where it is used to cool down discussions when they become heated. This shows how humor can be a vital mechanism for reducing social tension and promoting a culture of peaceful conflict resolution.
(A link to a video of MC Tatat Poulet using the phrase “Calmons donc nos nerfs”)
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhAxb2WB/ / https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhAxDwmV/
Moustik le Charismati, a prominent Cameroonian comedian, has actively contributed to fostering social cohesion through his work. Notably, his comedic performances often tackle sensitive societal issues such as tribalism, political divisions, and misinformation in a light-hearted yet impactful way. By blending humor with critical social messages, he has become a voice for unity in Cameroon. One example of his advocacy for social cohesion is visible in a TikTok post where he humorously addresses tribal stereotypes, urging viewers to embrace diversity and promote harmony. In one of his videos, Moustik Charismatik denounced the abuse of power, the repression and violation of rights of expression by certain public actors. The release prompted a number of reactions, with many online users expressing their appreciation as a good social cohesion initiative.By this creative approach, he demonstrated how comedians can serve as catalysts for peace and social understanding, reaching diverse audiences across social media platforms.
Again,comic trends and viral slangs have not only fostered cohesion online but have also transcended social media platforms to strengthen bonds within families. One of such examples is the phrase “Family na one,” which has been widely adopted across different settings in Cameroon to emphasize family unity. This slang, which originated on social media, has become a regular feature in family gatherings, social events, and even casual conversations, helping to solidify relationships and promote a sense of belonging.
Beyond their individual kits, these content creators Moustik le Charismatik, Arthur le Souverain, BK Baptist ) have been able to come together and produce contents portraying in the unity of cameroon.in one of their kits Souverain Arthur emphasized that “Anglophone, francophone na one” portraying the unity in diversity of Cameroon https://www.tiktok.com/tiktoklite
Organizations and state institutions have harnessed this communal energy to advocate for social cohesion. For instance, the NGO Local Youth Corner initiated a project using the slogan “Na we we” to promote peace and social cohesion through sports. This common slang has become more than just a slang, it is now a rallying cry for collective action.
A picture of Local Youth Corner during the Implimentation of Na We We project in Bafoussam 2024
Defyhatenow has creatively harnessed the power of film, arts, and music to promote peace and counter hate speech in communities. Through collaborations with directors, artists, and content creators like Ebigwe Johnson Agbenjang, the initiative has brought peacebuilding messages to life. Using tools such as the #defyhatenow Social Media Hate Speech Mitigation Field Guide, they empower local communities, particularly youths, women, and marginalized groups, to counter the spread of hate speech and incitement to violence.
A screenshot of a Facebook post by Defyhatnow
Recommendations
To harness the potential of humor and viral trends for social cohesion in Cameroon, this following recommendations can be taken into account :
- Stakeholders in the digital space should continue to leverage training programs by organizing media and digital training sessions that equip individuals with the skills to use humor effectively in online discourse, thereby promoting positive engagement. An example of this is the Civic Watch organization, which successfully trained bloggers in Cameroon to foster constructive and engaging online communication.
- Encouraging community engagement is also essential. Facilitating community events and online forums where users can share humorous content and participate in discussions can promote social cohesion. Such platforms provide opportunities for individuals to connect, share perspectives, and build understanding in a light-hearted yet meaningful way.
- Civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should partner with comedians to effectively convey impactful messages to broader audiences. Humor has proven to be a powerful tool for fostering understanding and engagement. However, these partnerships should include dedicated workshops for comedians, focusing on responsible internet and social media use to ensure that their content aligns with ethical standards and promotes positive values.
- Comedians should be encouraged to create content that unites rather than divides. Training programs or capacity-building initiatives can help them avoid online clashes and instead focus on messages that foster harmony, understanding, and social cohesion
- Internet users should be educated on the importance of following content that promotes positivity, inclusiveness, and respect. Campaigns like #ThinkB4UClick can guide users to critically assess content before sharing or engaging, helping to mitigate the spread of divisive or harmful material and fostering a more constructive online environment.
- Support for local creators is crucial. Associations and state actors should advocate for the promotion of influencers and creators who use humor to address social issues and foster connections among users. These influencers can be actively involved in peace, social cohesion, and civic engagement initiatives, helping to amplify positive messages within the community.
- Lastly, digital stakeholders, including media outlets, should regularly monitor emerging comic trends and slang to understand their impact on social behavior and community dynamics. By analyzing these trends, stakeholders can ensure that the humor being spread online contributes positively to society and promotes healthy, constructive interactions.
Conclusion
This Social Media Health Report underscores the significant role that comic trends and viral slangs play in fostering social cohesion in Cameroon. By leveraging humor as a tool for connection, users can create a more supportive online environment that encourages positive interactions and reduces social conflict. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this report, stakeholders can work towards maintaining a healthy social media space that prioritizes unity and collaboration among users.
