In today’s rapidly evolving digital era, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now X), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have become powerful forces that shape our daily lives.
While these platforms were created to connect people across distances, they have slowly taken a grip on our hearts and minds to the point where many individuals now prioritize their virtual lives over their real-world relationships. The love for social media has, in many cases, grown far greater than the love for one’s loved ones — children, friends and family members. Close personal relationships are now often relegated to the background while we scroll through our screens.
This obsession is affecting social interaction, individual wellness, and even the quality of conversations during personal and family gatherings. The current generation is increasingly witnessing the deteriorating effects of excessive social media consumption, which requires urgent attention and reflection.
One of the most alarming effects of social media obsession is the erosion of genuine social interaction. Human beings are inherently social creatures who thrive on personal connections, face-to-face conversations, and shared experiences. Unfortunately, these natural interactions are steadily being replaced by the shallow, surface-level engagements found on social media platforms.
Young people today are growing up in a world where “likes,” “shares,” and “followers” are more valued than meaningful conversations. Instead of spending quality time with family or engaging with friends in real life, many individuals prefer to immerse themselves in the latest viral trend, meme, or video. Even when people gather physically, it is common to see each person absorbed in their phone, more concerned with capturing a perfect selfie or updating their status than participating in genuine dialogue.
This shift is not just damaging individual relationships; it is transforming the very fabric of society. Children are growing up with fewer real-world communication skills, leading to difficulties in expressing emotions, resolving conflicts, and building lasting relationships. Friends grow distant, siblings become strangers, and even romantic relationships suffer as partners choose virtual interaction over real emotional connection.
The obsession with social media extends beyond relationships; it deeply affects the wellness of a person on multiple levels — mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Many studies have highlighted the correlation between excessive social media use and increased levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem.
Social media creates an environment where people constantly compare their lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others. The curated and often unrealistic images presented online foster feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Individuals start believing that their own lives are not good enough, which can spiral into mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Sleep deprivation is another silent consequence. The blue light emitted from screens disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle, while the addictive nature of endless scrolling keeps people awake for hours into the night. Poor sleep quality then contributes to fatigue, irritability, and diminished cognitive function the next day, further affecting overall wellness.
Physical health also takes a hit. Long hours spent hunched over screens can lead to poor posture, eyestrain, headaches, and a sedentary lifestyle. As people choose scrolling over physical activities or outdoor play, the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues increases significantly.
Social media’s grip on attention has also disrupted the quality of conversations, especially during important meetings, whether they are family gatherings, peer discussions, or professional meetings. It is now common to witness participants distracted by constant notifications, mindlessly scrolling through feeds, or even interrupting conversations to reply to comments or messages.
Family dinners, once a time of bonding and open dialogue, are often disturbed by the constant buzzing of phones on the table. Parents are distracted from their children’s stories, spouses barely converse, and siblings are each in their digital worlds. This leads to weakened family bonds and a growing sense of disconnection even among people who live under the same roof.
In professional settings, meetings suffer as attendees struggle to stay focused. The constant lure of social media distracts individuals from important discussions, causing lapses in productivity, misunderstandings, and reduced teamwork. Meaningful dialogue, which requires active listening and presence, becomes fragmented as attention is continually stolen away by devices.
The dangers of social media obsession are clear and alarming, yet many individuals continue down this path, unaware of the long-term consequences.
As a society, we must take conscious steps to restore balance and reclaim control over our lives and relationships. Families should establish device-free zones during meals, family time, and important conversations. Parents must set an example by limiting their own screen time and encouraging outdoor activities, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions. Schools can incorporate lessons about the responsible use of technology and the importance of real-life social skills. People need to recognize the value of being fully present in the moment.
Practising digital mindfulness — setting boundaries for social media usage, turning off unnecessary notifications, and taking regular digital detox breaks — can significantly improve mental wellness and the quality of relationships.
Social media, while offering certain benefits, has become a powerful force that threatens the very essence of human connection. The love for these platforms is dangerously outweighing the love we should have for our families, friends, and relationships. If we continue down this path without reflection, we risk raising a generation that knows how to communicate through emojis but struggles to express real emotions face-to-face. The time has come for individuals, families, and society as a whole to pause, reflect, and prioritize meaningful human connections over virtual validation.
Only then, can we preserve the richness of relationships and ensure a healthier, happier future for generations to come.
The writer, Cheng De Manager, is a graduate of the University of Juba. His writing focuses on the intricate effects of technology on human behavior, relationships, and society.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.