A NEURO psychiatrist at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Dr. Adamu Babaji, has warned that frequent social media use increases risk of mental health disorder.
Babaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, May 23, in Bauchi, that social media users stand the risk of developing mental disorder and as such should prioritise engagement in physical activities.
Babaji said persistent engagement in social media contributes to psychiatric cases, especially among the youth, noting that studies had established a strong link between heavy social media use and increased risk of depression, anxiety and loneliness, among others.
He, therefore, cautioned against adverse social media use to improve their mental health, adding: “Social media users should be moderate in their activities.
“Social media is another leading cause of intellectual disorder. Users tend to withdraw from social activities and engagement and become isolated and attached to their gadgets.
“This is not healthy as social interaction is good for mental health.”
Babaji also urged parents and guardians to counsel their wards on the use of social media to limit the risk.
