Social media is both lifeline and trap – Psychologist Newman Arthur warns
According to Dr Arthur, many adolescents now rely on social media to escape depression or isolation, but this coping mechanism can backfire when it leads to overexposure to negative content or cyberbullying
Renowned clinical psychologist Dr Newman Arthur has warned that while social media plays a critical role in modern human connection, its unchecked use is contributing to a silent mental health crisis in Ghana.
Joining the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (13 June), Dr Arthur highlighted the psychological reasons people flock to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), citing connection, coping, learning, impact, business, and unfortunately, vice as the six main psychological drivers of online engagement.
“Humans are wired to connect. Social media fills a real void—especially for people living alone, young people with absent parents, or professionals dealing with stress. But that same space can breed loneliness, envy, addiction, and even suicidal ideation,” he said.
According to Dr Arthur, many adolescents now rely on social media to escape depression or isolation, but this coping mechanism can backfire when it leads to overexposure to negative content or cyberbullying.
He noted that while social media allows for creative expression, remote learning, and entrepreneurship, it also exposes users to harmful behaviours like nudity, fraud, and verbal abuse.
“We need content regulation and a national orientation strategy. Schools, families, and government institutions must guide young people on how to use social media meaningfully and safely,” he stressed.
The psychologist advocated for a reinvigoration of moral education and digital responsibility in Ghana’s educational curriculum, warning that societal values are being distorted in the absence of digital ethics.
Dr Arthur further cautioned against unchecked free speech on online platforms.
“Freedom of expression must be contextualised. Without boundaries, chaos becomes the norm, as we’ve seen in parts of the US and Europe,” he said, underscoring the need for locally relevant content policies.
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