Social media is everywhere—Instagram, TikTok, Facebook—you name it. It’s an easy way to connect with friends, share moments, and stay updated on trends.
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But have you ever stopped to think about how much time you’re spending on these platforms and how it’s affecting your life?
President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Prof. Taiwo Obindo, told Guardian Life that social media has its good and bad sides: “Like every other thing in life, too much of everything is bad; especially when it is used to the exclusion of other healthy options. Sometimes they can become addictive. Moderation may be the word.
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“Many youths have access to the wrong sites e.g. gambling, betting, pornography, substance use, etc. They tend to spend more man-hours on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok at the expense of engaging in productive activities,” he said.
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Here’s why it’s important to rethink your social media habits:
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1. It can affect your mental health
Scrolling for hours can mess with your mental well-being. Studies show that excessive social media use is linked to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and even depression. Seeing everyone’s “perfect” life can make you feel like you’re missing out or not doing enough.
2. It steals time from productive activities
While you’re busy liking posts and watching videos, time is slipping away. This is time you could be using to learn something new, work on a hobby, or engage in real-life social activities. Social media is fun, but too much of it can make you lose track of more meaningful tasks.
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3. It encourages unhealthy comparisons
Ever felt like you’re not measuring up after scrolling through Instagram? You’re not alone. Social media tends to showcase the best moments of people’s lives, which can make you feel inadequate. This constant comparison can negatively impact your self-esteem.
4. It exposes you to harmful content
Unfortunately, not all content on social media is positive. Many young people end up on sites that promote gambling, substance use, or even inappropriate content like pornography. The more time you spend online, the easier it is to stumble upon these dangerous spaces.
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5. It can be addictive
Let’s face it—social media can be addictive. The endless scrolling and constant notifications keep you hooked. Before you know it, hours have passed, and you’re still glued to your phone. This addiction can reduce your attention span and make it harder to focus on real-life tasks.
What you should do
Set screen time limits
Monitor how long you spend on social media each day. Setting limits can help you balance your time between online activities and more productive ones.
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Engage in offline activities
Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones, find ways to disconnect and enjoy life outside of the screen.
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Be mindful of what you consume
Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you, and don’t hesitate to unfollow those that make you feel bad about yourself.
Rethinking your social media habits can improve your mental well-being, increase productivity, and give you more time to enjoy the real world. So, take a break, unplug, and live in the moment!
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