SCROLLING INTO TROUBLE : HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS QUIETLY STEALING THE FUTURE OF GHANAIAN STUDENTS

 SCROLLING INTO TROUBLE : HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS QUIETLY STEALING THE FUTURE OF GHANAIAN STUDENTS

As a blogger and a teacher, I’ve spent countless hours observing, listening, and speaking to some Ghanaian students across Junior High Schools, Senior High Schools, and even tertiary institutions. One trend that I cannot ignore is the increasing grip of social media on their lives. From TikTok dances recorded during class hours to heated Twitter “beefs” that spill into real-life fights, social media is no longer just a tool for connection but it has become a defining force shaping the attitudes, priorities, and behaviours of young Ghanaians.

This blog is not a mere condemnation. I will first acknowledge the undeniable benefits of social media. But, like a coin with two sides, I will then turn over to the darker side; the part that is robbing Ghanaian students of focus, morality, and sometimes, their dreams. I will share real-life inspired scenarios, Ghana-specific examples, and a case study to paint the picture clearly.

The Good Side of Social Media for Ghanaian Students

Before I pull out my magnifying glass to focus on the negatives, let me be fair and admit that social media isn’t all doom and gloom. If used wisely, it can be a blessing.

1. Easy Access to Information : Platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp study groups, and even Facebook pages dedicated to education help students find explanations to difficult topics. I know a student at PRESEC who told me he mastered Organic Chemistry by watching a YouTuber break it down with animations, which is fantastic. 

2. Networking and Opportunities : A bright SHS girl in Cape Coast got a scholarship to study in Canada simply because she shared her robotics project on Twitter. Social media can open doors that traditional networking might not, and this is a blessing. Isn't it?

3. Creative Expression : From graphic design to comedy skits, Ghanaian students are finding ways to showcase their talents. TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have birthed young entrepreneurs who are making real money. Another blessings. 

4. Global Exposure : Students can follow global news, trends, and innovations instantly. They are no longer limited to what GTV or Joy FM tells them. That's great! 

These positives, however, are the sweet perfume that hides the rot underneath. And that’s where the bigger problem lies; the negatives have a louder, deeper, and more lasting impact on the Ghanaian student body.

Now, let's dive into The Dark Side: Negative Effects of Social Media on Ghanaian Students

While social media can be an open window to the world, for many Ghanaian students, it has become a trapdoor-leading them to distraction, immorality, and even depression. I have personally seen more damage than benefit in my observation.

1. Academic Decline (A Scenario) : At a Senior High School in Nsawam, I met a boy named Kwame who used to top his class in Mathematics. When he got a smartphone, he joined several WhatsApp groups not for academics, but for gossip and funny videos. Watching to unnecessary stuffs even during his study hours. His study hours dwindled. During prep, instead of revising, he was busy arguing in a WhatsApp group about which Ghanaian rapper was the “GOAT.” His grades dropped from an A to a D within two terms. And obviously from first to the last but one last. 

Why This Happens : Social media is addictive. Notifications are designed to grab attention instantly. A “quick check” turns into hours of scrolling. Many Ghanaian students can’t resist the urge to check Facebook comments during class or reply to Snapchat streaks instead of revising.

The Ghanaian Twist : Because internet bundles are now relatively cheap with “midnight bundles” from MTN, AirtelTigo and Telecel, students sacrifice sleep to stay online between 12 am and 4 am. This habit leaves them drowsy in class the next day, missing out on lessons.

2. Moral and Cultural Erosion : One thing I have noticed is that Ghanaian students are now consuming more foreign content than local values can handle. Example: On TikTok, you’ll find SHS girls dancing to explicit American rap lyrics in their school uniforms, publicly displaying sexually suggestive moves. These videos often gain thousands of views, which encourages others to do the same. The Ghanaian cultural value of modesty is slowly being replaced with a “do it for the likes” mentality.

Scenario : At a school in the Eastern Region, a girl was suspended after a TikTok video of her twerking in the school dormitory went viral. This not only embarrassed her family but also dented the reputation of the school.

Why This Happens : Social media rewards extreme behaviour; the more shocking or unusual, the more likes, shares, and comments you get. For students seeking validation, this becomes a dangerous game.

3. Cyberbullying and Mental Health Issues 

A Case Study : I recall a heartbreaking story of a JHS student in Accra who was mocked in a WhatsApp group for mispronouncing a word during a class presentation. The video was secretly recorded and spread across Facebook. She became withdrawn, stopped participating in class, and her grades suffered.

The Impact : Ghanaian students are not immune to the mental health effects of online shaming which are depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, mental health conversations in Ghana are still treated as taboo, so these students often suffer in silence.

4. Addiction and Loss of Focus : Some students wake up and the first thing they do is check Facebook or TikTok before even brushing their teeth. They measure their day’s worth by how many likes they get.

A Scenario : I once visited my nephew in his school in Anweankwanta (Kofi Bright of blessed memory) and found that several students had smuggled phones into the dorm. At night, they formed a “phone rotation”; passing one device around to update Instagram stories and reply to messages. Prep time? Completely ignored. The prep times were then called 'press phones'.  

5. Peer Pressure and Fake Lifestyle : Social media is a showcase of the best moments; designer clothes, flashy cars, and luxury trips. For Ghanaian students, this creates unrealistic expectations. Example : A student from a modest home sees her classmate post photos in an expensive outfit on Instagram (which might have been borrowed or fake). She begins pressuring her parents for money to match that image. In some cases, girls end up engaging in “sugar daddy” relationships to fund this fake lifestyle, while boys may engage in “Sakawa” (internet fraud).

6. Exposure to Harmful Content : The truth is, many Ghanaian students use social media without parental guidance. This opens them up to pornography, violent videos, and extremist ideologies.

A Scenario : In 2023, a teacher in Sunyani caught two JHS boys attempting to recreate a violent prank they had seen on YouTube. They didn’t fully understand the danger and one ended up in the hospital.

7. Poor Communication Skills : Ironically, while social media is supposed to connect people, it is making Ghanaian students worse communicators in real life.

Observation : Students now speak more in abbreviations and emojis than complete sentences. I once asked a student to write an essay, and he wrote phrases like “u” instead of “you” and “b4” instead of “before.” This spills over into exams, leading to lower grades in English Language.

8. Cheating and Academic Dishonesty : WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels are now hotspots for leaked exam questions. Students have turned social media into a shortcut for passing tests instead of studying and and being critical thinkers. Example: During BECE 2022, screenshots of alleged exam questions circulated widely on Facebook hours before the paper. This does not only undermines the value of education but also teaches students to depend on cheating rather than effort.

9. Reduced Family and Community Interaction : In Ghana, our culture thrives on communal living and family conversations. But many students are now mentally absent even when physically present. 

A Scenario:

During Easter 2025 in my hometown, I noticed a group of teenagers sitting together under a mango tree hours. They were not talking to each other, each was buried in their phone, laughing at different videos. That day, I realised social media is slowly erasing the warm Ghanaian bond of face-to-face interaction between friends, among classmates, between family relatives and among co-workers.

Why the Negatives Outweigh the Positives for Ghanaian Students : The good side of social media include ducation, exposure, and opportunities which is often overshadowed by how most students use it in reality. In Ghana, the culture of discipline and parental monitoring is weaker online than in real life. While a parent can stop a child from going to the cinema at night, they rarely know what their child is doing on Instagram. 

The accessibility of cheap smartphones and data bundles has worsened the problem. Teachers complain of poor academic performance of learners, parents are frustrated, and yet the grip of social media only tightens.

What Can Be Done?

I am not here to simply point fingers. Solutions are possible if we take action.

1. Digital Literacy Education : Introduce compulsory lessons in schools on responsible social media use.

2. Parental Monitoring : Parents must learn to use parental control apps and check in on their children’s online activities.

3. Self-Discipline Among Students : Students must be taught time management skills and the value of focus.

4. School Policies : Strict rules on phone usage during school hours should be enforced.

5. Positive Content Creation : Encourage students to create and consume more educational content.

In conclusion, Social media is not inherently evil. But in the Ghanaian student context, it is often a wolf in sheep’s clothing; offering the illusion of connection while slowly eroding discipline, academic performance, and cultural values.

As Honeybrowne, I have seen the smiles it brings, but I have also seen the tears it causes. The truth is, if we don’t act now, we risk raising a generation that is informed about global trends but ignorant about their own future.

Authored by: Honeybrowne Okaakyire, B.Ed.

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