The emergence of social media has transformed communication and social interaction globally, including in Uganda. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, such as increased connectivity and access to information, their excessive use is increasingly linked to adverse mental health outcomes.
The impact of social media on mental health in Uganda, encompasses issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and cyberbullying.
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) puts the number of people that use social media in Uganda at 20 million in 2023 from 13 million the previous year, representing a 53% increase.
It also considers the sociocultural context, youth vulnerability, and the need for targeted interventions. Empirical findings and theoretical perspectives are discussed to guide mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers.
The proliferation of new media with multiple platforms has abundantly adjusted the social perspectives in such a way that our everyday conducts are entrenched over technological diffusion. Ellison et al, (2007), views all social media that involve some sort of digital platform whether that be mobile or stationary and not everything that is digital, however is necessarily social media. Social media allows some form of participation and is never completely passive even when sometimes social networking sites may allow passive viewing of what others post for example Facebook.
However all social media involve some sort of digital platform whether mobile or stationary. Social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Twitter (X) have evolved into integral part to daily life of Ugandans, particularly among the youth. With the increasing accessibility of smartphones and affordable internet, the number of social media users in the country has grown significantly.
According to the World Health Organization (2004), mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (p. 12). Jahoda (1958) expanded on this by identifying three domains: self-realization, environmental mastery, and autonomy.
However, Murphy (1978) cautioned that these views often reflect Western values and may not align with African cultural realities, where collectivism and interpersonal relationships are more emphasized. Uganda’s cultural emphasis on face-to-face interactions means that digital communication may introduce stressors, particularly among youth who are navigating both traditional expectations and modern digital lifestyles.
Dr. Francis Kanyike, a public health specialist at Joint Clinic Research Centre, defines mental health as a state of mind.
The prevalence of mental health in Uganda is at a high. Dr. Kayike discloses that close to 14 million people in Uganda are suffering mental-health related issues. The common issues include anxiety and depression.
“Social media is one of the greatest contributors to mental health. It presents quite a number of risks – sleep disturbance, depression, and social comparison. This mainly affects the young. Things like body image issues. Children look at images and they compare with themselves,” .
– Dr. Francis Kanyike
“Social media is one of the greatest contributors to mental health. It presents quite a number of risks – sleep disturbance, depression, and social comparison. This mainly affects the young. Things like body image issues. Children look at images and they compare with themselves,” Dr. Kanyike said in an exclusive interview.
Social media platforms frequently promote idealized lifestyles and appearances. Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok allow users to apply filters and edit images, which can lead to unrealistic beauty standards and body dissatisfaction. A qualitative study in Kampala by Nuwagaba et al. (2021) found that teenage girls, in particular, experienced heightened self-consciousness after prolonged exposure to edited content.
This aligns with global findings, such as those by Twenge et al. (2017), which link prolonged screen time and social comparison to increased anxiety and depression. In Uganda, university students have reported emotional stress related to online validation and distraction from academic goals (Muwanguzi & Musoke, 2020). These emotional strains are often compounded by a lack of mental health awareness and limited access to counseling services.
Despite these risks, social media can also provide mental health support when used constructively. Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook have become key tools for NGOs such as StrongMinds Uganda and Mental 360 to disseminate mental health information and offer virtual counseling, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns. These platforms provide anonymity and accessibility for users seeking help, particularly in urban areas.
In my view, during the Covid pandemic, social media did us justice at the time when people were stressed, people had lost their jobs. Social media provided welness therapy, in that you would see and feel connected with other people across the world. It was a 24/7 routine being on TikTok and X because there was a bit of entertainment on social media
– David Scott Muyombya
In conclusion, while social media has opened up new avenues for communication, connection, and information exchange in Uganda, its impact on mental health cannot be overlooked. The rise in anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation among users highlights the urgent need for increased digital literacy, responsible usage, and accessible mental health support.
By fostering open dialogue, promoting healthy online habits, and ensuring professional resources are available, Ugandan society can reap the benefits of social media while safeguarding the well-being of its people. Ultimately, it is up to individuals, families, policymakers, and platforms to work together in creating a balanced digital environment that nurtures both connectivity and mental health.
