Digital cage: Social media’s grip tightens on netizines, sparking global alarm

By Chinenye Anuforo

The smell of burnt toast mixed with Jamal’s loud cries. He tugged at Aisha’s dress, asking her to read his book. But Aisha, absorbed in her phone, scrolled through pictures of perfect breakfasts.

 

 

“Just a minute, Jamal,” she said, barely looking up. That minute stretched into an hour. The toast was ruined. Jamal, feeling ignored, retreated to a corner, his book lying on the floor.

Aisha, lost in videos and influencer posts, seemed completely detached. She forgot Jamal’s doctor’s appointment, the grocery shopping, and her responsibilities as a mother.

Her phone, meant to simplify life, had instead taken it over. This small scene reflects a widespread problem, a warning about the “digital cage.”

The constant hum of notifications, the endless scroll through curated realities, and the insatiable yearning for digital validation,  these behaviours have morphed into a pervasive addiction, a silent epidemic reshaping mental health, eroding societal cohesion, and demanding urgent global attention. The digital world, once envisioned as a boundless realm of connection and information, has transformed into a gilded cage, trapping young minds in a cycle of anxiety, isolation, and dependence.

“The tycoons of social media have to stop pretending that they are friendly nerd gods building a better world, and admit they are just tobacco farmers in T-shirts, selling an addictive product to children,” a concerned tech critic stated, emphasizing the platforms’ deliberate exploitation of user vulnerabilities.

“Because let’s face it, checking your likes is the new smoking. Philip Morris just wanted your lungs, the App Store wants your soul,” he added.

This analogy underscored the insidious nature of social media’s addictive design, a calculated manipulation of human psychology for profit. 

The scale of the problem is staggering. With 5.24 billion active social media users globally, representing 63.9% of the world’s population, these platforms wield unprecedented influence. In Nigeria alone, Facebook boasts over 51 million users, while Instagram and Messenger hold millions captive in their digital embrace.

This widespread usage comes at a devastating cost, particularly for young adults. The AXA Mind Health Report 2025 revealed that a shocking 44% of individuals aged 18-24 suffer from mental health conditions, with social media addiction identified as a primary contributing factor, alongside financial instability.

“What we find is the typical person checks their phone every 15 minutes or less, and half the time they check their phone, there is no alert, no notification. It is coming from inside their head, telling them, ‘I haven’t checked Facebook in a while, I haven’t checked on this Twitter feed in a while, I wonder if somebody commented on my Instagram post.’

This constant, self-generated craving triggers a cascade of cortisol, the stress hormone, creating a vicious cycle of check-and-release, a digital dance of anxiety and fleeting gratification,” a psychologist noted. 

Adding to the growing concern, Dr. Unwana Samuel Akpan, a lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), compared the rising social media addiction among Nigerian youth to the ubiquitous consumption of “garri,” with increasingly dire consequences. “This is a big concern, not just for family units, but for the society at large,” Dr. Akpan stated, highlighting the alarming trend of toddlers proficient with smartphones.

He cited a 2023 “We Are Social” report indicating that Nigerians spend an average of three hours and 42 minutes daily on social media, one of the highest in Africa. Further studies revealed that over 60% of young Nigerians prefer scrolling through TikTok and Instagram to reading books.

Content creator Erl Sua described social media as potentially more addictive than alcohol. “You can spend hours and hours scrolling, and by the end of the day, it will still leave you unsatisfied,” he said. “It can help create a sedentary lifestyle that may have negative effects on your overall health.”

Sua, who admitted to struggling with social media addiction, advised finding hobbies that positively impact daily life, reconnecting with friends and family, and engaging in exercise.

Akpan expressed concern over the erosion of traditional cultural practices, lamenting the decline of communal storytelling and the replacement of traditional village gatherings with digital entertainment. He cited the disappearance of oral traditions like “Moonlight stories,” replaced by online content like “Skibidi Toilet” and celebrity skits.

He attributed the rise of social media addiction to several factors: instant gratification culture, FOMO (fear of missing out), parental example, and a lack of digital discipline.

The consequences extend far beyond individual struggles, rippling through educational institutions and eroding societal cohesion. Schools, as highlighted in the Corpus Christi ISD lawsuit in Texas, are grappling with bullying, cyber harassment, discipline issues, and a decline in learning opportunities.

“As a culture, we don’t have enough in common anymore. And that’s because the internet, which was supposed to unite the world, has become too adept at serving us personalized content,” observed a social commentator, highlighting the fragmentation caused by algorithmic feeds. This echo-chamber effect breeds polarization and erodes shared understanding.

Experts warned that these platforms are engineered to exploit human vulnerabilities. “These platforms develop a profile on us. They know what we like and dislike, what makes us return, and what does not. It’s addictive,” said tech researcher Tony Dearaujo. “Just like sugar and delicious snacks, we must become aware of this addiction and then try to moderate our behaviour.” 

Akpan proposed urgent steps: promoting “no-screen hours” in schools and religious centers, implementing scrolling alerts, stricter regulations by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and encouraging media outlets to produce shows featuring traditional folklore. He also emphasized parental guidance.

“Right now, influencers encourage narcissism without knowing the breadth and depth of their impact on their audiences,” a concerned voice warned. “Get off of Facebook and put your face in a book. Right now, a teenager is photoshopping their selfie, because as a society, we are telling them they are not good enough.”

Breaking free from social media addiction requires self-discipline and external tools. Productivity apps like StayFocused and Forest can minimize distractions.

The challenge is daunting, but not insurmountable. Recognizing the addictive nature of social media, setting boundaries, and prioritizing real-world interactions are crucial. “As with any addiction, awareness is the first step,” said Dearaujo. “Once you become aware, you can take practical steps to moderate your behaviour and create a healthier balance.”

While acknowledging the positive aspects of social media, Akpan stressed the urgent need to prevent the loss of cultural heritage. “If we don’t, the next generation may never know the wisdom in moonlight stories and that would be a tragic loss,” he concluded.

“Social media’s allure isn’t accidental,” warned Jide Awe, Innovation and Technology policy advisor. “These platforms are engineered for engagement, trapping users in an endless scroll.”

He highlighted the complex interplay of factors fueling addiction: the volume of information, personalized by AI, the prioritization of sensational content, and a lack of digital literacy. He criticizes a societal trend that glorifies superficiality over substance.

Awe emphasizes the need for urgent, multi-faceted intervention: promoting early digital literacy, proactive policy and regulation, and initiatives to combat addiction. “This isn’t just a technology problem,” Awe stressed. “It’s a public health crisis, a mental health challenge of the digital age. The tech and health sectors must collaborate to find solutions.”

Dr. Obiageli Okoye, Sociology Department, UNILAG, said, “In my observation, the prevalent issue of social media addiction among youth stems from a confluence of factors. Primarily, there’s a significant lack of parental guidance. Many parents readily provide smartphones without adequately instructing their children on responsible usage. This absence of crucial conversations leaves students ill-equipped to navigate the digital world.” “Furthermore, a concerning deficit in self-discipline is evident. Youth frequently exceed recommended screen time, even when aware of the potential consequences. This lack of restraint leads to significant academic detriment. We see this manifested in poor concentration during lectures, hindering their ability to absorb information. Consequently, their academic performance suffers, and instances of examination malpractice, such as bringing phones into exam halls, increase, resulting in severe disciplinary actions like suspension. The consequences extend beyond academics. Prolonged screen time contributes to health issues, including persistent headaches and eye strain. While some students may dismiss these symptoms as unrelated, the correlation is evident.”

To address this multifaceted problem, a comprehensive approach is necessary, she said. “Parents must proactively engage in conversations with their children about responsible phone use. Within the classroom, instructors should establish clear rules regarding phone usage, including immediate confiscation for violations. Emphasizing that lecture material should be reviewed after class, not during, is crucial. Students themselves must cultivate self-discipline by implementing screen time limits. Awareness of the potential health risks associated with excessive screen time is also essential. Ultimately, acknowledging the consequences of their actions, including potential academic setbacks, may serve as a deterrent. These interventions are crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of social media addiction and ensure students maintain a balanced and productive lifestyle,” Okoye explained.

Akinbola Olumide also contributing stated: “It’s undeniable that excessive social media consumption is negatively impacting our children’s educational performance, particularly in crucial subjects like Mathematics and English.. This is a global concern with far-reaching implications for our future”

Rather than outright banning internet access, we must guide our children towards productive online engagement. One effective strategy is to assign research tasks that contribute to societal benefit, shifting their focus away from frivolous content. Furthermore, we should leverage the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-driven courses can equip students with skills to use digital platforms productively and profitably. The goal is not to discourage digital engagement; the future is undeniably digital. Instead, we must foster digital competency that empowers them.