By: Foluke Akinwalere. Freelance Health Writer. Medical review and editorial support provided by the DLHA Team
Black African lady, very excited with her social media positive feedback. Credit image from Freepik
African youths, considered in this article as aged 15 -35 years, have increasingly embraced the digital age, social media (SM). This has become a double-edged sword in their lives. It offers unprecedented opportunities for education, connectivity, social interaction, and awareness raising generally.
However, the constant use of SM platforms is associated with adverse health effects, from mental health issues like anxiety and depression to physical health problems stemming from sedentary lifestyles.
This article explores how social media influences the health of African youths, highlighting the positive aspects while also addressing the negative effects. Proposals are also offered for the healthy use of SM by Africa’s youth.
As of the recent data in 2022, Africa has seen a continuous increase in SM users, reaching over 348 million as of 2022 according to Statista. Social media usage is notably higher in Northern and Southern Africa compared to other regions. In February 2022, approximately 56 percent of the population in Northern Africa used social media, while the percentage was 45 percent in Southern Africa. Central Africa lagged behind with only eight percent social media usage. [1]
Analysis of relevant data indicates that individuals aged 13 to 30 are the most frequent users of social media in Africa. [2] This is largely driven by the increasing availability of smartphone and mobile internet. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya are at the forefront of this digital revolution, with millions of young users logging onto SM platforms daily.
As of June 2024, according to StatCounter, Facebook emerged as the most widely used SM platform in Africa with 82.42% of active participants. Instagram was the closest with 6.26% followed by YouTube, Twitter (X), Pinterest, and LinkedIn with 5.62%, 3.15%, 1.91%, and 0.39% respectively. [3, 4] Others are TikTok, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Thread, and Reddit.
These platforms offer various features that cater to different needs and preferences, shaping the social media landscape and impact on the mental health of African youths.
1. Facebook
It is popular for its flexibility in connecting people, sharing content, and participating in groups. It serves as a hub for community building and information dissemination.
2. Instagram
Favored for its visual-centric approach, Instagram attracts youths with its emphasis on photos and video. Features like Stories and Reels allow for creative expression and engagement through short content.
3. YouTube
YouTube is the primary platform for video content ranging from tutorials to entertainment. Its features include channels for content creators, subscriptions for followers, live streaming, and monetization options.
4. Twitter (X)
Known for real-time updates and discussion, Twitter (X) is a go-to platform for following news, trends, and engaging in public conversations. Its use of hashtags helps in organising and finding topics of interest.
5 Pinterest
Popular for discovering, saving, and sharing ideas related to various interests such as DIY projects, fashion, home decor, recipes, and more. It inspires creativity and planning for personal and professional projects. It is a valuable resource for individuals and businesses looking for inspiration and ways to showcase their products or ideas visually.
6. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows users to connect with colleagues, industry professionals, and potential employers. It is a valuable tool for building a professional online presence, showcasing skills and experience, and staying updated on industry news and trends. Users can also join groups, participate in discussions, and share content to enhance their professional network.
7. TikTok
Rapidly gaining popularity, TikTok is particularly appealing to younger users due to its short-form video format, creative editing tools, and viral challenges. It fosters a sense of community through shared content and trends.
8. WhatsApp
While primarily a messaging app, WhatsApp is extensively used for group communications, sharing multimedia content, and even conducting business. Its encryption and ease of use make it a preferred choice for private conversations.
SM has seamlessly blended into the daily lives of African youths, influencing various aspects of their culture and lifestyle. It serves as a primary means of communication, enabling them to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of geographical distances.
SM platforms play a crucial role in shaping their social identities by offering a platform for self-expression, creativity, and engagement with global trends.
Moreover, social media has become a valuable tool for education and activism, allowing youths to access information, learn new skills, and engage in social and political movements.
Despite its benefits, it also brings challenges, such as the pressure to conform to online standards, exposure to cyberbullying, and the potential for addiction, highlighting the need for balanced and mindful usage.
Social media’s interaction with the brain is a complex process that involves various neurological mechanisms.
When you engage with social media, your brain responds to the stimuli presented by the platforms, such as notifications, likes, and comments. These interactions can stimulate emotional responses and trigger brain activity in areas associated with reward and pleasure (i.e., dopamine networks), much like other addictive behaviors.
One of the main brain reactions to using social media is the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) known to stimulate pleasure and reward. [5] When users receive positive feedback on social media, such as likes or positive comments, their brains release dopamine, creating feelings of joy and contentment. This release can trigger a pattern of seeking more social media engagements to experience these enjoyable sensations again\ and again, possibly leading to addictive tendencies. The expectation of receiving rewards or positive feedback can additionally strengthen this pattern, making it difficult to break the habit of frequent social media use.
SM can also have significant effects on attention span and mental processes involved in knowing, learning and understanding things. The constant flow of new information and notifications can lead to divided attention, making it difficult for users to focus on tasks for extended periods. This phenomenon, often referred to as “continuous partial attention” can impair mental processes such as memory, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Additionally, the habit of quickly scrolling through content and switching between different tasks on social media can reduce the brain’s ability to engage in deep, focused thinking. Over time, these changes in attention and mental function can affect overall productivity and mental well-being.
Social media enables African youths to connect with various support networks and mental health communities, providing a platform to share experiences and seek advice. These networks offer emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation by connecting individuals with others facing similar challenges. Social media also plays a crucial role in raising mental health awareness, breaking stigmas, and promoting access to mental health resources and services.
Social media provides African youths with easy access to a vast array of mental health information and educational resources. Reputable organisations and mental health professionals share valuable content, including articles, videos, and webinars that educate youths about mental health conditions, coping strategies, and self-care practices. These access empowers youths to take proactive steps in managing their mental health.
Social media hosts numerous online fitness communities and health challenges that motivate African youths to stay active and healthy. These communities offer workout routines, fitness tips, and motivational support, encouraging regular physical activity. Participating in health challenges and sharing progress with peers can make fitness more engaging and help youths achieve their health goals.
Many healthcare providers and organisations use social media to offer telehealth services, enabling youths to consult with doctors and specialists remotely. This access is particularly beneficial in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure, improving overall health outcomes.
Social media helps African youths build communities and foster connections based on shared interests, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. These virtual communities provide social support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance a sense of belonging. Through social media, youths can participate in discussions, share personal stories, and form meaningful relationships that contribute to their social well-being.
Social media serves as a powerful platform for advocacy and social change, allowing African youths to raise awareness about important social issues and mobilise support. By participating in social media campaigns and movements, youths can advocate for causes such as gender equality, climate change, and human rights. This engagement fosters a sense of purpose and empowerment contributing to positive societal change and enhancing overall well-being.
While social media offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant risks to the health of African youths. Some negative impacts of social media on their health include:
Excessive use of social media can lead to several mental health problems among African youths. Constant exposure to idealised images and lifestyles can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depression. The pressure to maintain an online persona and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can increase anxiety and stress levels. Additionally, the need for validation through likes and comments can create a dependency on external approval, negatively affecting self-worth and emotional well-being.
The extensive and constant use of social media, especially before bedtime, can lead to significant sleep problems. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can result in difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and insufficient rest. Chronic sleep deprivation can have serious consequences on physical health, including weakened immune function, impaired thinking and decision making problems, and increased risk of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
The rising problem of body image dysfunction (dysmorphia) among young people is another negative influence of social media. Research has shown that being exposed to idealised body images on social media can result in body dissatisfaction and potentially contribute to the development of eating disorders in young adults. [6, 7]
Social media can adversely affect the social health of African youths by encouraging superficial interactions over meaningful connections. The emphasis on virtual communication can erode real-life social skills and lead to social isolation. The curated content on social media can create unrealistic expectations and lead to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of envy. This can hinder the development of authentic relationships and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for social well-being.
Cyberbullying is a significant concern associated with social media use among African youths. The anonymity and reach of social media platforms can facilitate harassment, bullying, and abusive behavior. Victims of cyberbullying may experience severe emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. The pervasive nature of online harassment can make it difficult for victims to escape, compounding the psychological impact and affecting their overall mental health.
Social media addiction is a growing problem that affects the health of African youths. [6] The design of social media platforms, with features like endless scrolling and notifications, is intended to keep users engaged for extended periods. This can lead to compulsive usage patterns, where youths prioritise social media over other important activities such as studying, exercising, or spending time with family and friends. Addiction to social media can impair concentration, reduce productivity, and negatively impact both mental and physical health.
In conclusion, it is crucial to promote balanced usage and awareness to mitigate these negative impacts and support the well-being of young individuals in the digital age.
The negative influence of social media on the health of African youths can be lessened by promoting a more balanced and healthy relationship with digital technology.
While social media offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to recognise and reduce its potential negative influence on the health of African youths. By adopting plans of action such as setting time limits, encouraging offline interactions, and promoting digital literacy, youths can be helped to maintain a healthy balance between their online and offline lives. Parents, educators, and communities play a vital role in guiding young ones toward mindful and responsible social media use. Through collective effort and awareness, the overall health of African youths can be positively promoted in this digital age and beyond. .
1. Galal S. Social Media in Africa - Statistics and Facts. Statista [Internet 2024,Jan 10] Cited June 29, 2024] Available here.
2. Philip EE. African youths and the dangers of social networking: A culture-centered approach to using social media. Ethics and Information Technology. 2013. 15. 275-284. doi: 10.1007/s10676-013-9333-2. Available here.
3. StatCounter GlobalStats. Social Media Stats for Africa. June 2023 - June 2024 [Internet. 2024 June] Cited July 9, 2024. Available here.
4. Adika N. Social Media Usage Trends in Africa: GeoPoll Report. GeoPoll. [Internet. 2023 Sept. 6]. Cited June 29, 2024. Available here.
5. Berry J. What Are Neurotransmitters? Medical News Today [Internet. Last updated, 2024 January 26]. Cited July 9, 2024. Available here.
6. Jiotsa B, Naccache B, Duval M, Rocher B, Grall-Bronnec M. Social Media Use and Body Image Disorders: Association between Frequency of Comparing One's Own Physical Appearance to That of People Being Followed on Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 11;18(6):2880. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18062880. PMID: 33799804; Available here.
7. Erhiegueke AW, Esimone CC, Ugoo-Okonkwo IA. Social Media and its Influence on 21st Century Nigerian Youths: The Popular Music Reality. International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Studies Volume 9, Issue 5, 2022, PP 15-22. Available here
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Published: July 10, 2024
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