Mental Health Debate Ignites in Ethiopia Following Death of Social Media Star

Summary

Boni, a prominent Ethiopian social media content creator with over 800,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 300,000 on Facebook, died following a period of intense online harassment. In her final livestreams, she received derogatory comments and messages encouraging self-harm, which she addressed in a final message expressing her personal struggles and asking for forgiveness. Her death has drawn attention to the psychological toll of sustained online negativity and the pressure to maintain a curated public image. Mental health professionals have highlighted how prolonged social media use can exacerbate anxiety and depression, particularly among young adults. In the wake of her passing, calls have grown for more empathetic digital interactions and greater awareness of mental health in Ethiopia’s online spaces.