Ghanaian teens in crisis: The disturbing mental battles of the digital generation

Social media has become an integral part of daily life for millions of teenagers worldwide, and Ghanaian teens are no exception.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat provide an exciting space to connect, share, and express creativity.

However, as Ghana’s youth embrace digital culture, an undercurrent of mental health challenges is emerging, with social media usage exacerbating issues related to self-esteem, cyberbullying, and the pressure to project a perfect image.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

For many Ghanaian teenagers, social media offers both a source of entertainment and a powerful outlet for self-expression.

“I feel connected to my friends when I’m online. I get to see what they’re doing and share what I’m doing too,” says 17-year-old Ama, a high school student in Accra.

“But sometimes it can feel like I’m in a competition to be as cool or as popular as everyone else.”

That pressure to “keep up” often leads teens down a path of constant comparison.

Ghanaian psychologist Dr Kwame Mensah explains, “Teenagers are in a formative stage where they’re building their sense of self. Social media introduces a unique pressure to conform to idealized standards, which can be incredibly damaging to self-esteem. Many teens feel inadequate if their lives don’t measure up to the highlights they see online.”

This drive to keep up appearances can create a negative feedback loop. As teens attempt to portray a flawless image, they might begin to feel more and more disconnected from their authentic selves.

“It’s like everyone’s trying to create this picture-perfect life, but I know that’s not really how things are,” says 16-year-old Sarah, who shared that she sometimes feels isolated and inadequate despite her active online presence.

Cyberbullying: A Growing Concern

One of the most pressing issues is the rise of cyberbullying. In Ghana, like many parts of the world, online bullying has replaced face-to-face bullying in some respects, offering teens a new venue to mock, criticize, and shame others anonymously.

This hidden aspect can make the bullying feel even more intrusive and relentless.

For Daniel, a 15-year-old from Kumasi, the experience of being bullied online was overwhelming.

“One day I woke up, and my friends had shared a picture of me with a caption making fun of my weight,” he recalls. “I felt terrible. It got so bad I didn’t even want to go to school.”

Dr. Mensah emphasizes that the effects of cyberbullying can be long-lasting, particularly for teens who may not have the tools or support networks to deal with it effectively.

“Cyberbullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts in extreme cases. Unlike traditional bullying, online harassment can be relentless because teens take their phones everywhere. There’s no escape.”

The Self-Esteem Trap: Chasing Likes and Followers

As teens grapple with cyberbullying, they’re also navigating the unrelenting quest for validation. Many teens measure their self-worth based on likes, followers, and comments, which can lead to an unhealthy cycle of seeking external approval.

Dr Mensah points out, “Teenagers are at an impressionable age, and social media is like an amplifier for their need for acceptance. When they post something and don’t receive the feedback they expected, it can negatively impact their self-esteem.”

Ama admits to feeling this pressure personally.

“If I post a picture and it doesn’t get enough likes, I feel like something’s wrong with me,” she says. “It sounds silly, but it’s hard not to think that way when you see other people getting so much attention.”

The Psychological Toll of “Perfection”

Alongside the quest for likes, the pressure to appear “perfect” online takes a toll on many Ghanaian teens. They feel compelled to project images of flawless beauty, wealth, or success, often curating their lives in a way that doesn’t reflect reality.

In a recent study conducted by the Ghana Psychological Association, researchers found that nearly 68% of Ghanaian teens reported feeling pressure to appear happier or more successful than they were. The study also revealed that these feelings could lead to chronic stress as teens struggle to keep up with a facade of perfection.

Sarah admits to feeling this pressure constantly.

“Sometimes, I feel like my social media isn’t me. It’s just what I think people want to see,” she says. “I know it’s fake, but if I don’t try to look a certain way, I worry people won’t like me.”

Coping with Digital Stress: Resources and Solutions

For parents and educators, the impact of social media on mental health is a serious concern.

Dr. Mensah believes that fostering open dialogue with teens is essential.

“Parents need to create a safe space where teens feel they can discuss these issues without fear of judgment. Many teens won’t come forward about feeling stressed or insecure if they think their parents won’t understand.”

In recent years, mental health organizations in Ghana, such as the Mental Health Authority and Basic Needs Ghana, have begun creating resources for young people struggling with digital stress.

Many NGOs offer helplines and counselling services for teens dealing with social media-related stress.

“Having someone to talk to can make all the difference,” Dr. Mensah emphasizes.

Schools in Ghana have also started introducing digital literacy programmes to help students recognize the potential mental health risks associated with social media.

These programs encourage teens to think critically about the content they consume and share online.

“It’s important for students to understand that what they see on social media is often a carefully curated version of reality,” says Felicia Owusu, a teacher in Accra who runs a media literacy program at her school. “They need to learn to appreciate their own lives without comparing themselves to others constantly.”

Practical Tips for Teens

For Ghanaian teens navigating the digital landscape, several practical steps can help them manage social media in a healthier way. These include:
1. Setting Screen Time Limits: Spending less time online can reduce the impulse to compare oneself to others. Apps like Instagram now offer features that allow users to set daily limits on usage.
2. Engaging in Offline Activities: Participating in hobbies and sports can provide a healthy balance to screen time and help teens develop confidence outside of social media.
3. Following Positive Accounts: Teens can follow accounts that promote mental wellness, body positivity, and personal growth. This helps create a more supportive and less judgmental online space.
4. Practicing Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel insecure sometimes. Building self-compassion is essential to improving self-esteem.
5. Seeking Professional Help: If the stress or anxiety associated with social media becomes overwhelming, seeking help from a counsellor or therapist can provide tools for managing these feelings.

Moving Forward: A Balanced Digital Life

Social media is here to stay, and for Ghanaian teens, learning to manage its impact on their mental health is an essential life skill.

With the support of parents, educators, and mental health professionals, young Ghanaians can be empowered to use social media in a way that enhances their lives rather than detracts from it.

“We want to ensure that Ghanaian teens don’t just survive but thrive in a digital world,” Dr. Mensah concludes. “By providing them with the right tools, education, and support, we can help them enjoy social media while keeping their mental health intact.”

For now, as Ghana’s youth navigate the highs and lows of social media, they’re building resilience in an exciting and complex landscape. The journey is not without challenges, but with guidance, they can learn to create a balanced digital life that fosters genuine self-worth and lasting connections.