Nigerian comedian, actor, and filmmaker AY Makun has issued a powerful warning to Nigerians about the dangers of chasing fake lifestyles on social media.
In a recent Instagram post that has since gone viral, the ace entertainer urged people to stop comparing their real lives to the exaggerated glamour they see online.
“Social media pressure is real. Too many people are trying to keep up with lives that don’t even exist,” AY wrote, adding that many online displays of wealth are “borrowed, staged, or completely false.”
According to the Merry Men producer, the obsession with portraying success online has created a dangerous illusion of perfection — one that is costing people their peace of mind and financial stability.
The comedian revealed that some influencers and celebrities go to great lengths to appear rich and successful — from posing in hotels and claiming them as homes to taking pictures beside luxury cars they don’t own.
“You scroll through social media and think everyone has their life figured out — designer clothes, new cars, exotic trips,” AY said. “But the truth is, many of the people you envy are living on borrowed wigs, borrowed outfits, and borrowed lifestyles.”
(Pulse Nigeria, The Nation, Legit.ng)
He emphasised that the growing trend of online pretence has trapped many young people in a cycle of unrealistic comparisons and misplaced priorities.
In his post, AY urged his followers to focus on personal growth rather than online validation. He advised people to pursue genuine success built on patience and purpose rather than chasing the illusion of instant fame or fortune.
“Grow at your own pace. Focus on building something real, not just something that photographs well,” he advised. “Remember, what you see online is only the highlight reel — not the full story.”
Experts say AY’s message reflects a growing mental-health challenge in Nigeria’s digital era. Psychologists warn that the constant comparison with other people’s “perfect” lives online can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
AY’s comments add to the chorus of public figures raising awareness about how social media affects self-worth and decision-making, especially among young Nigerians trying to “measure up” to celebrity lifestyles
AY Makun — born Ayo Makun — is one of Nigeria’s most respected entertainers, known for his honesty and relatable storytelling. With over two decades in the industry, his warning carries weight. As someone who understands the illusion of fame, AY’s call for authenticity resonates beyond entertainment circles.
The comedian’s remarks also point to a larger societal issue: a generation driven more by perception than reality. His words challenge both influencers and everyday users to rethink what success truly means.
AY’s warning arrives at a time when the race for online validation has never been fiercer. From photo filters to rented lifestyles, the pressure to appear wealthy and successful online continues to shape behaviour across Nigeria’s youth culture.
In a country where economic hardship meets digital aspiration, AY’s advice lands as both timely and necessary — a reminder that real success happens offline, not on the timeline.
