By Chinenye Anuforo
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Beyond the allure and usefulness of social media platforms, experts have raised the alarm that the harmful effects of their addiction lie beneath the beauty.
They contend that many minds, especially youths, have been literally hacked and rewired by the offerings of the poorly regulated social media landscape.
Thus, they are calling for moderation in the consumption and absorption of social media activities.
The constant stream of notifications, the curated realities presented online and the inherent drive for digital validation are increasingly recognised as factors contributing to growing social media addiction.
Worries are rife that the over dependence on social media is also eroding fundamental aspects of societal values, demanding urgent and comprehensive attention from researchers, policymakers and communities alike.
The staggering scale of social media usage globally, with 5.24 billion active users representing 63.9% of the world’s population, highlighted the platforms’ immense power.
Nigeria with a population of over 200 million, has over 51 million active Facebook users, while Instagram and Messenger command the attention of millions more.
According to analysts, the widespread digital engagement comes at a significant cost, particularly for young adults.
The AXA Mind Health Report 2025 revealed concerning statistics that 44% of individuals aged 18-24 suffer from mental health conditions, with social media addiction identified as a primary contributing factor, alongside financial instability.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Unwana Akpan, a lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), drew a comparison, likening the rising social media addiction among youth to the ubiquitous consumption of “garri,” but with increasingly dire consequences. “This is a big concern, not just for family units, but for the society at large,” Dr. Akpan stated and highlighted the alarming trend of toddlers proficient with smartphones.
He cited a 2023 “We Are Social” report which indicated that Nigerians spend an average of 3 hours and 42 minutes daily on social media, one of the highest in Africa.
Further studies revealed that over 60% of young Nigerians prefer scrolling through TikTok and Instagram to reading books.
Content creator Erl Sua corroborated these concerns, describing social media as potentially more addictive than alcohol. “You can spend hours and hours scrolling, and by the end of the day, it will still leave you unsatisfied,” he said. “It can help create a sedentary lifestyle that may have negative effects on your overall health.” Sua, who admitted to struggling with social media addiction, advised finding hobbies that positively impact daily life, reconnecting with friends and family, and engaging in exercise.
Dr. Akpan also expressed concern over the erosion of traditional cultural practices, lamenting the decline of communal storytelling and the replacement of traditional village gatherings with digital entertainment. He cited the disappearance of oral traditions like “Moonlight stories,” replaced by online content like “Skibidi Toilet” and celebrity skits. He attributed the rise of social media addiction to several factors: instant gratification culture, FOMO (fear of missing out), parental example, and a lack of digital discipline.
Experts warned that these platforms are deliberately designed to exploit human vulnerabilities. “These platforms develop a profile on us. They know what we like and dislike, what makes us return, and what does not.
It’s addictive,” said tech researcher Tony Dearaujo. “Just like sugar and delicious snacks, we must become aware of this addiction and then try to moderate our behaviour.”
Dr. Akpan proposed urgent steps to combat this growing crisis, including promoting “No-Screen Hours” in schools and religious centers, implementing scrolling alerts, stricter regulations by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and encouraging media outlets to produce shows featuring traditional folklore. He also emphasized the critical role of parental guidance.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of social media, Dr. Akpan stressed the urgent need to prevent the loss of cultural heritage. “If we don’t, the next generation may never know the wisdom in moonlight stories and that would be a tragic loss,” he argued.
Jide Awe, Innovation and Technology policy advisor, further emphasised the manipulative design of these platforms. “Social media’s allure isn’t accidental,” he warned. “These platforms are engineered for engagement, trapping users in an endless scroll.” He highlighted the complex interplay of factors fueling addiction: the sheer volume of information, personalised by AI, the prioritization of sensational content, and a lack of digital literacy.
He also criticised a societal trend that glorifies superficiality over substance.
Awe stressed the need for urgent, multi-faceted intervention, including promoting early digital literacy, proactive policy and regulation, and initiatives to combat addiction. “This is not just a technology problem,” Awe stressed. “It is a public health crisis, a mental health challenge of the digital age. The tech and health sectors must collaborate to find solutions.”
Dr. Obiageli Okoye, from the Sociology Department at UNILAG, pointed to a confluence of factors driving social media addiction among youth, with a primary concern being the significant lack of parental guidance. She noted that many parents provide smartphones without adequate instruction on responsible usage, leaving students “ill-equipped to navigate the digital world.”
“Furthermore, a concerning deficit in self-discipline is evident,” Dr. Okoye stated. “Youth frequently exceed recommended screen time, even when aware of the potential consequences. This lack of restraint leads to significant academic detriment. We see this manifested in poor concentration during lectures, hindering their ability to absorb information. Consequently, their academic performance suffers, and instances of examination malpractice, such as bringing phones into exam halls, increase, resulting in severe disciplinary actions like suspension. The consequences extend beyond academics. Prolonged screen time contributes to health issues, including persistent headaches and eye strain.”
Dr. Okoye advocated for a comprehensive approach, urging parents to proactively engage in conversations about responsible phone use and instructors to establish clear rules regarding phone usage in the classroom. She also emphasized the need for students to cultivate self-discipline and be aware of the potential health risks associated with excessive screen time. “Ultimately, acknowledging the consequences of their actions, including potential academic setbacks, may serve as a deterrent,” she explained.
Akinbola Olumide also contributed to the growing concern, stating, “It’s undeniable that excessive social media consumption is negatively impacting our children’s educational performance, particularly in crucial subjects like Mathematics and English. This is a global concern with far-reaching implications for our future.” He argued that instead of outright banning internet access, the focus should be on guiding children towards productive online engagement. He suggested assigning research tasks with societal benefits and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to equip students with skills for productive and profitable digital platform use. “The goal is not to discourage digital engagement; the future is undeniably digital. Instead, we must foster digital competency that empowers them,” Olumide stated.
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