By Bena Nekesa
Scrolling Through Isolation
When was the last time you had a face-to-face chat without someone scrolling through their phone mid-conversation? In this digital age, social media has crept into every corner of our lifestyle, from how we eat, dress, socialize, and even think. It has quietly transformed daily routines, replacing real-world connections with virtual ones.
What once began as a fun way to connect with friends has turned into a subtle force that shapes identities, values, and behaviours.
So, what exactly is going wrong?
While social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook offer entertainment and information, they also present hidden dangers that are reshaping how we live. Many Ugandans, especially the youth now spend hours scrolling, laughing at videos, or copying trends that don’t align with their values.
“Social media made me forget what a simple conversation feels like. I sometimes sit with my sister, and we barely talk. Each of us just glued to our phones,” says Sylvia Khainza, a university student in Mukono.
Culture Lost in the Feed
One major concern is the loss of cultural identity. Many young people now imitate Western dress codes, language, food preferences and even manners.
“Today, it is easier to find a teenager who knows more about Kim Kardashian than they do about their clan history,” observes Andrew Opio, a digital ethics student at Kyambogo. “There’s nothing wrong with change, but it should not come at the cost of forgetting who we are.”
Indeed, traditional wear is seen less often, native languages are becoming less spoken, and moral standards that once held communities together are quickly fading.
The Rise of Idleness and Unproductivity
Social media is also feeding into laziness and idleness. Rather than engaging in income-generating activities or building skills, many spend their free time binge-watching videos.
“I used to read books or visit friends. Now, hours fly by watching TikToks. It’s addicting,” admits Belinda Namutosi, a hairdresser in Kampala.
Even sleep patterns have been disrupted. A significant number of young people stay up late scrolling, leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and lower academic or job performance the next day.
False Realities and Real Consequences
Social media doesn’t just affect what we wear or how we behave; it affects how we feel about ourselves. People now compare their real lives to someone else’s curated highlights, leading to insecurity, anxiety, and even depression.
“When you keep seeing people who seem perfect online, you start feeling like you’re not doing enough, even when you’re trying your best,” adds Khainza.
Moreover, exposure to pornography, scams, and cyberbullying has grown. Some scammers now clone WhatsApp numbers or Instagram accounts of trusted friends to steal from unsuspecting users. It’s a digital jungle out there.
The effects are not only emotional and social, but they are also physical. John Bosco Kasenda, a health practitioner at Kitgum Maternity and Medical Centre, warned that too much time on social media is affecting people’s health in many ways. “We are seeing increased cases of anxiety, poor sleep, eye strain, headaches, and physical inactivity,” he said. Kasenda urges the public to take screen breaks, stay active, and prioritize real-life social connections to avoid long-term health problems.
What Can Be Done?
The big question remains, how can we fix this?
Experts recommend digital balance and mindful usage. This means setting boundaries for screen time, taking digital detoxes, and using social media for learning, networking, or promoting good causes rather than just entertainment.
“Social media is a powerful tool. But like any tool, it depends on how you use it. We need to start talking about this, especially in schools and homes,” suggests Opio.
Families are encouraged to revive shared meals, open conversations, and community activities to counteract the silent loneliness that social media can sometimes foster.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Control
Social media is here to stay, but it should not replace who we are. Our lifestyle is too precious to be dictated by trends, algorithms, or filters. As users, especially young people, we need to reclaim control over our time, values, and identity.
Let us scroll less and live more. After all, the best moments in life are not always captured on camera. They are felt, lived, and shared in real time.
Bena Nekesa is a communication student at Uganda Christian University.
