By Calista Oyeoba/ Posted March 25, 2025
In this current digital age, social media has become an essential part of modern life, especially among young people, globally. In Nigeria, it can be said to have a strong impact on the lives of youth, in the way they interact and of course, with the attendant opportunities, both in terms of benefits and challenges.
Popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, etc., have dlivered numerous benefits for young people to connect with others, share their ideas, and showcase their talents.
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No doubt, social media has enabled Nigerian youths to access information, enhancing their knowledge and skills. This has allowed more people to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurship, attracting potential investors and customers.
Admittedly, social media presents numerous opportunities and benefits but it also creates significant challenges for Nigerian youths, with addiction and reduced productivity topping the list.
Some researchers have highlighted that excessive social media use can lead to addiction, thereby, distracting youths from their studies, work, and other important activities, resulting in reduced productivity.
Another concern is the uncontrolled spreading of misinformation and fake News. Social media platforms routinely spread false information, propaganda, and hate speech, which can fuel conflicts, undermine social cohesion, and obfuscate trending narratives that Nigerian youth are exposed to.
The fallout most times result in in Cyberbullying and Mental Health Issues. Social media, in recent years has become a breeding ground for bullying, harassment, and online abuse, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among Nigerian youth.
Social media platforms have been identified to expose Nigerian youth to fraudulent activities, scams, and financial exploitation, putting their financial security and personal data at risk.
The foregoing has resulted in moral and cultural decline: Many a Nigerian youth is exposed daily to inappropriate content, encouraging immoral behavior, and undermining traditional values and cultural norms which have been the moral underpinning of our society.
Despite the immense benefits in social media, it still comes with some negative impacts, which include unrealistic expectation, brainwashing, health and genuine people-to-people contact.
Some mental health experts have revealed that prolonged exposure to screens and the constant notifications from social media can lead to sleep deprivation and related health issues. While on the economic index, social media can create unrealistic expectations and promote consumerism, materialism, and the pursuit of wealth and fame among Nigerian youth.
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Excessive social media use can lead to a decline in face-to-face communication skills, empathy, and deep, meaningful relationships among Nigerian youth and also, increased risk of Online brainwashing, leading to extremist ideologies, increasing the risk of online radicalization and recruitment into terrorist organizations.
Without prejudice to the side one is on, social media has had a good impact on the lives of Nigerian youth, presenting both opportunities and challenges, hence the need to maximize the benefits while minimizing its risks. Government regulations are still needed to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect online privacy, through education and enlightenment initiatives.
Users have noted that social media platforms offer educational resources that help Nigerian youths develop new skills and pursue self-employment opportunities.
It promotes Nigerian culture and connects people globally.
Social media has empowered Nigerian youth, providing them with a platform to express themselves and learn new things. However, it has also exposed them to harmful content.
Without social media, movements like #EndSARS wouldn’t have had such a huge impact. It really gives young people a voice.
Honestly, I think social media is making a lot of people anxious and depressed. The pressure is real.
If not for Instagram and TikTok, many young entrepreneurs wouldn’t have a platform to sell their products. It’s a game changer!
The rise of misinformation online is scary, and it’s good that this article brought it to light. We need more fact-checking and regulations.
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