With the average person spending 2 hours and 24 minutes daily scrolling through a digital universe of curated photos, hashtags, and breaking news, it offers both opportunities and challenges. While it connects and inspires, it also fuels anxiety, isolation, and ethical concerns. As users experience its triumphs and turmoil, the question remains: how is social media reshaping the human experience?
The Dual Impact of Social Media
Social media’s effects are deeply intertwined with both innovation and mental health challenges. A report by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2023) found that excessive use of social media has contributed to a 70% increase in feelings of anxiety and depression among teenagers. Similarly, UNICEF (2023) revealed that one in three young people globally has experienced cyberbullying, highlighting the darker side of digital interactions.
Despite these challenges, social media has also transformed lives positively. For Bakary Mankajang, a Gambian TikToker, social media has been a blessing. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world and earn more than 60,000 dalasis per month through online advertisements for major companies,” he shared.
The role of social media in education and career development
Social platforms have also become gateways to new opportunities. A 2024 LinkedIn survey found that 59% of users discovered career or educational opportunities through social media.
However, educators like Emmanuel Mendy, a teacher at St. Therese’s Upper Basic School, see both benefits and drawbacks. Mendy noted that many students misuse social media to post negative content, which often distracts them from their academic goals. Yet, he also acknowledged its positive impact. “Social media has helped wise users learn and develop skills needed for socio-economic development,” he remarked.
The rise of influencer marketing
The influencer marketing industry, now valued at $60 billion annually, has created opportunities for millions of creators. Aminta Coker, a digital marketer, explained how social media has revolutionised marketing by making it more interactive and personalised.
“Social media allows businesses to connect directly with their audiences, build communities, and use feedback to refine strategies,” Coker shared. However, she highlighted challenges like standing out in a saturated space, handling algorithm changes, and managing burnout. “Negative feedback and trolling are part of the landscape, but I focus on constructive criticism and avoid unproductive arguments. Rest is essential to creativity,” she added.
Technology’s role in healthier social media use
Technology expert Omar Baldeh emphasised the need for platforms to prioritise user well-being through features like screen time management and ethical algorithms. “Technology should foster meaningful interactions, protect privacy, and reduce addictive behaviors to empower users to maintain balance,” he explained.
Baldeh predicted that in the next five years, social media would become more personalised and immersive, driven by AI and augmented reality. “Platforms will focus on niche communities, ethical engagement designs, and mental health. Privacy and data ownership will gain prominence, possibly with decentralized systems playing a key role,” he noted.
He also highlighted ethical challenges with algorithms, such as ensuring fairness, avoiding bias, and protecting user autonomy while enhancing functionality.
Social media is a transformative force, offering opportunities for education, innovation, and connection, while also presenting significant challenges like mental health concerns and ethical dilemmas. As users and platforms navigate this evolving digital landscape, the focus should remain on promoting positive, balanced, and ethical interactions to ensure that social media continues to benefit society as a whole.
