As platforms become lifelines for connection and validation, young people are grappling with anxiety, self-esteem issues, and cyberbullying—yet some are finding hope and healing online too.
When Likes Turn into Pressure
At 10 p.m., Tracy, a 21-year-old university student in Kampala, stares blankly at her phone screen. She has just posted a photo on Instagram, and within minutes, she is refreshing the app, watching the number of likes grow—or stagnate. “If I don’t get at least 100 likes, I feel like maybe something is wrong with me,” she says quietly.
Her story is increasingly common among young people navigating the digital world. While social media offers entertainment and a sense of connection, it also creates a space where validation is measured by numbers, and comparison never stops.
The Weight of Constant Comparison
According to a 2023 survey by a Ugandan graduate student, nearly 47% of university students admitted to feeling “less confident” about their lives after scrolling through social media.
“Social media creates a false sense of perfection,” explains Dr. Norman Nsereko, a psychologist based in Kampala. “You’re constantly exposed to the best parts of people’s lives—filtered, edited, and exaggerated. That can distort self-image and lead to anxiety or depression.”
For Tracy, the pressure is real. “You see someone your age flying to Dubai, driving a car, or launching a business. It makes you feel like you’re failing, even if you’re doing okay.”
Cyberbullying: The Darker Side
In addition to comparison, cyberbullying is an ongoing threat. A 2022 report by The Uganda Communications Commission found that 1 in 4 young social media users had experienced some form of online harassment.
James, a second-year student at Makerere University, recounts a time when a comment thread on Twitter spiraled into insults targeting his appearance. “I had to delete the post and stay off the app for a week,” he says. “It really messes with your mind.”
Unfortunately, few students seek help. Mental health remains stigmatized in many communities, and support services are often limited or underfunded.
When Scrolling Becomes an Addiction
Social media’s design can be addictive. Endless scrolling, notifications, and the dopamine rush of likes can turn a harmless scroll into hours of wasted time.
“I check TikTok first thing in the morning and before bed,” says Carol, 19. “I don’t even realize how much time I’ve lost until my battery dies.”
Experts say excessive screen time can lead to sleep disruption, reduced concentration, and heightened anxiety—especially among students balancing academic pressure.
The Bright Side: Connection and Community
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
Dr. Nsereko notes that when used intentionally, social media can be empowering.
“There are online therapy pages, motivational influencers, and support groups that genuinely help people.”
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, digital platforms provided a lifeline. “I joined a mental health Twitter Space during the pandemic,” says Johnson, a recent graduate. “Hearing others share their struggles made me feel less alone.”
Social media has also helped amplify marginalized voices and mobilize activism among Ugandan youth, from political engagement to gender rights advocacy.
Finding a Healthier Digital Balance
So how can users—especially students—protect their mental health while staying online?
“Set time limits. Curate your feed. Follow people who uplift you,” advises Dr. Nsereko. “And most importantly, don’t believe everything you see. Social media is not reality.”
Universities are beginning to offer digital wellness workshops and encourage peer-led mental health discussions. Though some universities like Makerere University, Nkumba University have set up centres for students to seek counselling and guidance, more still must be done to create safe digital spaces.
Reclaiming Control
The digital world is here to stay. But how we use it—and how we let it affect us—is within our control.
For young Ugandans, awareness is the first step.
“Once I realized social media was affecting how I saw myself, I started unfollowing pages that made me feel insecure,” says Tracy. “Now I post for fun, not for likes.”
In the end, it’s about reclaiming control, setting boundaries, and remembering that behind every perfect post is a real person, just trying to be okay.
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