Two healthcare specialists have underscored the dangers associated with excessive engagement on phones and social media platforms, cautioning that such behaviors could result in various mental health challenges.
The specialists made these statements in individual discussions with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Oluwagbemi Ibrahim, a Psychiatrist affiliated with the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, articulated that addiction to social media has the potential to trigger issues such as depression and anxiety, particularly from experiences related to cyberbullying and unhealthy comparisons.
She pointed out that the challenges posed by social media could escalate to suicidal thoughts, diminished self-esteem, sleep disturbances, decreased concentration, impaired memory, and poorer academic outcomes.
Moreover, Ms. Ibrahim noted that the rampant use of phones and social media—especially prevalent among the youth—can lead to fatigue, headaches, burnout, irritability, as well as eye strain and visual issues.
"There are also metabolic dangers, as heavy social media use fosters a sedentary lifestyle, which heightens the risk for conditions like weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular ailments," she added.
She further explained that this issue can lead to musculoskeletal problems such as discomfort in the wrist and thumb, along with poor posture resulting in persistent pain.
To mitigate the health risks posed by social media addiction, effective interventions are crucial, including: curtailing screen time and steering clear of social media usage before sleep. Other suggestions include promoting physical activities, encouraging face-to-face social interactions, observing breaks from social media, particularly when usage is excessive, and increasing awareness regarding responsible media consumption.
“Social media has undeniably transformed our lives, opening avenues to myriad opportunities and contributing to societal development. However, as we adapt to these changes, it is vital to engage with these platforms responsibly in order to maximize their advantages while minimizing adverse effects,” emphasized the psychiatrist.
In a related perspective, Oluwaseun Iyiola, a Senior Registrar in Family Medicine at UCH, cautioned that extensive social media use correlates with heightened anxiety, lower moods, and feelings of continuous comparison.
Ms. Iyiola noted that numerous young individuals experience pressure to maintain an ideal image, achieve a 'successful' life, or conform to unrealistic trends.
On an emotional scale, she stated that such pressures can lead to a reduced attention span, hindering their focus on studies or interpersonal conversations. She remarked that some youths develop a dependency on social media, feeling agitated or unhappy when they are not connected.
“Physically, prolonged hours on devices can cause eye fatigue, headaches, and discomfort in the neck and back, affecting their posture negatively,” she warned.
“When screen time replaces physical activity and sleep, the body suffers consequently; paradoxically, excessive online interactions can diminish real- world connections.
“Additionally, some youths may withdraw from family activities or encounter challenges in engaging in face-to-face communication,” she mentioned.
The doctor stressed that with extended durations spent scrolling through feeds, watching videos or engaging in online chats, there is a significant reduction in time allocated for physical activities.
Children and adolescents might forgo outdoor play, sports, or even simple movements like walking, she observed. This sedentary behavior coupled with habitual snacking during screen time heightens the likelihood of gradual weight gain.
“Poor sleep, which frequently accompanies excessive phone use, also disrupts hormones that control hunger, making it more probable to experience weight gain,” she noted.
“Consequently, while social media does not directly induce obesity, its overuse significantly encourages behaviors that escalate this risk.
“Many adolescents engage late with their phones, particularly during night hours when supervision is reduced; notifications, messages, videos, and the anxiety of missing out keep the mind vigilant when it should be preparing for rest.”
To alleviate health hazards from social media dependency among young people, Ms. Iyiola asserted that practical and straightforward solutions could be far more effective. She advised setting clear restrictions on screen time, particularly during nighttime.
“Devices should ideally be removed from bedrooms during sleeping hours,” she recommended.
The family health physician additionally urged parents to remain vigilant about warning signs. Signs to watch for include abrupt mood shifts, withdrawal from family interactions, declining academic performance, sleep disturbances, irritability when phone access is restricted, loss of interest in past activities, or excessive phone checking.
Regarding how healthcare professionals could screen for social media-related health issues, Ms. Iyiola recommended that they ask straightforward questions during consultations.
“Questions like, ‘How many hours do you spend on your phone each day?’ ‘Do you sleep with your phone close by?’ and ‘Does social media ever induce feelings of anxiety, sadness, or pressure?’
"These discussions, conducted without judgment, often reveal significant insights into their experiences."
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