By Francesca Hangeior

A Consultant Neuro-psychiatrist and Medical Director of Pinnacle Medical Services in Lagos, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, has attributed the increasing rates of depression and suicide, particularly among youths, to the pervasive influence of social media.

Kadiri highlighted the significant role social media plays in mental health issues, alongside other contributing factors such as environmental stressors, relationship challenges, life struggles, and inadequate parenting.

“Social media gives us that picture of a perfect life; so, people will want to be like those they see on the internet and also want to live perfect lives.

“It is so unfortunate because social media has no rules or regulations, and so you cannot really curtail how people use social media and what direction they follow,” she explained.

Kadiri observed that many youths, especially those without constructive engagements, often fall prey to the illusion of perfection depicted online, leading to restlessness and a sense of inadequacy.

She noted that social media often promotes exaggerated or unrealistic portrayals of success and happiness, which fuels feelings of inadequacy among users.

“To these set of people, everything they see on the internet is expected to be real, reliable, and practicable. Unfortunately, not everything posted on social media is realistic; people exaggerate issues to suit their desires,” she added.

The doctor also expressed concern over the addictive nature of social media, emphasising that many individuals have become so attached to their phones that they cannot spend a minute without scrolling through online platforms.

The neuro-psychiatrist stressed the urgent need for educational campaigns to raise awareness about the potential mental health impacts of social media.

“When you know better, you have to do better for yourself and society. We need to keep teaching society that not everything seen out there is real,” she said.

She further warned that social media has inadvertently provided a platform where individuals can learn methods of self-harm, exacerbating the risk of suicide.

While acknowledging the positive aspects of social media, the doctor lamented its misuse by many users who focus solely on projecting exaggerated strengths and achievements.

“Social media is a good technological innovation but has been used by many people to exaggerate their strengths and achievements rather than a combination of strengths and weaknesses,” she remarked.

She urged individuals to be more discerning about what they consume online and emphasised the importance of balancing time spent on social media with real-life connections and activities to safeguard mental well-being.