Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, a Consultant Neuropsychiatrist and Medical Director of Pinnacle Medical Services, Lagos, has attributed the growing prevalence of depression, suicide, and other mental health conditions to the unchecked influence of social media.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr. Kadiri highlighted how social media, particularly among youths, fosters unrealistic expectations by projecting an illusion of a “perfect life.” She noted that environmental factors, relationship issues, life challenges, and poor parenting further exacerbate these mental health struggles.
The Role of Social Media in Mental Health Issues
“Social media portrays a flawless life, making people aspire to unrealistic standards,” Kadiri said. “Unfortunately, there are no regulations to control how people engage with social media, leaving many, especially idle youths, vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy and depression.”
She emphasized the urgency of massive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the potential dangers of excessive social media use and its mental health implications.
The Link Between Social Media and Suicide
Kadiri explained that social media provides easy access to information on harmful practices, including ways to commit suicide, thereby increasing the spread of social vices. She also raised concerns over the addictive nature of social media, with many individuals unable to go a minute without scrolling through their phones.
“People assume everything they see online is real and achievable, but much of it is exaggerated for personal gain,” Kadiri added.
Education and Awareness Are Key
Calling for increased education, Kadiri stated, “When you know better, you do better. Society must understand that not everything on social media is real.” She encouraged users to approach online content critically to avoid falling into the trap of comparison and despair.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite its drawbacks, Kadiri acknowledged the potential benefits of social media, stressing that it could be a positive tool if used to reflect both strengths and weaknesses realistically. “Social media is a remarkable innovation, but its misuse leads to significant mental health challenges,” she concluded.
NAN
