Clement Barrfo

Community Service Report: Social Media Addiction Awareness

Date: Friday, 9th February 2024Location: University of Ghana, Legon

I embarked on my first community service endeavor at the University of Ghana, Legon, following the completion of my exams. The focus of this service was on raising awareness about social media addiction, a topic that resonated with me deeply after studying E-business and witnessing firsthand the pervasive use of social media among students.

According to recent statistics, there are approximately 5.04 billion social media users worldwide, with youth and students forming the majority. However, what struck me was that the primary purpose of this vast usage rarely aligns with learning or academic pursuits. It's become common to see students engrossed in their smartphones during lectures and library sessions, prompting me to address this issue directly.

Engaging with students, I discovered that while 99% claimed not to be addicted to social media, further discussion revealed otherwise. The majority of my audience were first-year students, chosen deliberately to educate them on leveraging social media positively during their time on campus.

I defined social media addiction as the fear, anxiety, and discomfort experienced when unable to access social media—a phenomenon often referred to as Nomophobia or smartphone addiction. This addiction can compromise privacy, expose individuals to exploitation, impact mental health, strain interpersonal relationships, disrupt sleep patterns, and contribute to various psychological issues.

During interactive exercises, students pondered over questions regarding their social media usage, revealing insightful realizations. Together, we explored strategies to mitigate Nomophobia, such as regulating notifications, limiting social media apps, and scheduling device usage.

Addressing a common query about using smartphones before bed, I explained the role of blue light emission in disrupting sleep patterns, shedding light on a prevalent but overlooked issue.

In addition to discussing social media addiction, I also shared a valuable resource with the students: the 2024 annual edition of Our Daily Bread. This book aims to positively shape their spiritual lives, offering guidance and inspiration amidst the challenges of modern-day living.

The enthusiasm and engagement displayed by the students were notable, with many pledging to share newfound knowledge with their peers. Despite highlighting the risks of social media addiction, I emphasized its numerous benefits in facilitating learning and personal development in the digital age.

In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunity to impact valuable insights to my colleagues, particularly the first-year students. Moving forward, I encourage everyone to use social media responsibly, ensuring that our lives are not solely dictated by its influence. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and educate.

Warm regards,Clement Barffo.