By Burnett Munthali
Albert Ofuso Nketia, an eight-year-old boy from Ghana, became an internet sensation in 2023 after a short video clip of him went viral.
The video captured a moment where his sister playfully hit him for an unspecified reason, causing Nketia to cry for a brief moment before suddenly bursting into laughter.
This unexpected reaction fascinated many social media users, particularly on TikTok, where the clip gained massive attention.
As the video spread widely, content creators across various platforms started incorporating it into their comedy skits and memes.
The clip became a favorite among entertainers, with many using Nketia’s reaction to enhance their content and attract more viewers.
By 2024, discussions began to emerge about whether Nketia and his family should be compensated for the widespread use of his image and likeness.
Many people argued that since content creators were making money from the viral video, Nketia deserved a share of the profits.
His supporters believe that his image contributed significantly to their success, making it only fair for him to benefit financially.
On the other hand, some critics dismissed the idea, questioning whether Nketia had intentionally created the viral moment.
They argued that he was simply a child reacting naturally and that no one had forced him to laugh after crying.
This debate has sparked differing opinions on social media, with some advocating for fair compensation and others insisting that virality does not always require financial reward.
The case of Nketia raises broader questions about digital content ownership and whether individuals who unintentionally go viral should receive monetary benefits.
With the growing influence of social media, many viral personalities have faced similar dilemmas regarding their rights over content that gains global attention.
As the debate continues, the question remains: Should viral internet sensations be compensated for their unintended contributions to digital entertainment?
For now, Nketia’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of social media fame and the complexities surrounding its financial implications.
