Toluwanisings’ Death and Why Tragedy Dominates Social Media

The reported death of gospel singer Toluwanisings in Ibadan has sparked widespread mourning and discussion online. As tributes, photos and personal memories spread across social media, I found myself reflecting on why tragic news often captures more attention than positive stories. Psychology offers several explanations. Negativity bias makes threats, loss and controversy feel more urgent than good news. Sudden and unclear events also trigger curiosity, as people seek answers about what happened and whether it could have been prevented. This does not mean everyone following a tragedy enjoys another person’s pain. Many people are genuinely sympathetic. Still, the speed with which attention moves from one sad story to the next scandal shows how strongly social media rewards emotional and negative content. Toluwanisings’ passing should centre his family, friends and loved ones. It should also make us consider how we consume, share and react to other people’s grief online.

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