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Social Media and Ghanaian Youth: A Systematic Review of Impacts
and Implications
Godwin Abugatwin Abugbilla
*
Ashesi University, Accra, Ghana
*
Corresponding Author
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000119
Received: 04 October 2025; Accepted: 10 October 2025; Published: 05 November 2025
ABSTRACT
This systematic review critically synthesizes existing literature and aggregated data on the multifaceted impact
of social media on Ghanaian youth aged 13–30. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies and national digital reports
from 2014 to 2025, this paper examines the impact of social media on mental health, education, social and
cultural identity, and socio-economic outcomes. Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok,
and Instagram are widely adopted, with approximately 7.95 million active social media users in Ghana as of
early 2025, representing around 23% of the total population, and 39.2% of adults aged 18 and above (Kemp,
2025). The review highlights positive outcomes, including networking, learning, and digital entrepreneurship,
alongside challenges such as increased anxiety, academic distractions, and cultural shifts. Gaps include the
limited availability of longitudinal research, the underrepresentation of rural and marginalized youth, and a
scarcity of intervention studies. Recommendations focus on policy, education, and mental health programming
tailored to the Ghanaian context.
Keywords: Social media, Ghanaian youth, digital behavior, mental health, education, culture, entrepreneurship
BACKGROUND
Over the past decade, Ghana has undergone a rapid digital transformation that has significantly reshaped the
communication, social interaction, and information-seeking behaviors of its youth population aged 13 to 30. By
early 2025, an estimated 7.95 million Ghanaians, representing 23% of the total population and 39.2% of adults
aged 18 and above, were active social media users, with young people as the main drivers of this growth (Ghana
Statistical Service, 2021; DataReportal, 2025). Dominant platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram,
TikTok, and YouTube serve as central digital spaces for communication, education, entrepreneurship, and
entertainment among Ghanaian youth, mirroring broader technological adoption trends across sub-Saharan
Africa (Markwei & Appiah, 2016; Ocansey, Ametepe, & Fynn Oduro, 2016; Aryeh-Adjei et al., 2025).
This surge in digital connectivity has both expanded opportunities and manifested new challenges. Social media
enhances access to academic materials, supports entrepreneurial ventures, and facilitates cultural and civic
expression, thus fostering digital inclusion and social mobility (Shi et al., 2022; Nketia & Agyapong, 2020;
Adaki, 2023). However, empirical evidence links high-frequency use to increased psychosocial and educational
difficulties. Studies report that 62% of youth experience anxiety and 49% face depressive symptoms associated
with social media engagement, often exacerbated by cyberbullying, peer pressure, and unhealthy social
comparison (Agyapong-Opoku et al., 2025; Awaah et al., 2024; JSOMER, 2024). Moreover, over 45% of
students acknowledge negative impacts on their study habits and academic performance, citing heightened
distraction and procrastination (Mensah, 2021; Agyei, 2020). Culturally, although social media introduces
Western values that can erode indigenous languages and traditions, Ghanaian youth exhibit resilience by
creatively synthesizing global and local elements, giving rise to hybrid cultural forms and evolving digital
identities (Adaki, 2023; Boateng et al., 2025). Despite the proliferation of mobile technology and youthful digital
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innovation, the benefits of social media remain unevenly distributed. Rural and marginalized communities face
persistent barriers, including limited internet access, low digital literacy, and inadequate cybersecurity
awareness, which heighten their vulnerabilities to online harm and deepen the digital divide (Ayisi et al., 2024;
Owusu & Kwarteng-Kluvitse, 2017; JSOMER, 2024). Furthermore, most existing research is cross-sectional,
urban-focused, and limited in its longitudinal scope, leaving critical gaps concerning the experiences of rural
and vulnerable populations, as well as underexplored positive outcomes, such as digital activism, youth-led
entrepreneurship, and creative content production (Zelenin, 2024; Bokor, 2014, p. 5).
Recognizing these complexities, this systematic review synthesizes literature from 2014 to 2025 to
comprehensively examine the behavioral, mental health, educational, cultural, and socio-economic implications
of social media use among Ghanaian youth. By integrating empirical research and contextual insights, the study
aims to inform evidence-based digital policy and youth development programs that support well-being, equity,
and empowerment in Ghana’s evolving socio-cultural landscape (Ayisi et al., 2024; Aryeh-Adjei et al., 2025).
METHODOLOGY
A comprehensive systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (Page et al., 2021), was
undertaken to identify relevant literature on the impact of social media on Ghanaian youth from January 2014 to
2025. The rationale for the timeframe captures the surge in mobile internet use and social platform proliferation
in Ghana within this period.
Search Strategy
Databases searched included Google Scholar, JSTOR, African Journals Online (AJOL), ScienceDirect, and
institutional repositories of Ghanaian universities. The search utilized Boolean combinations of keywords such
as:
"social media" AND "Ghanaian youth."
"social media AND Ghana AND mental health."
"social media AND youth AND education AND Ghana."
"digital entrepreneurship AND youth AND Ghana."
"social media AND culture AND Ghana."
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion:
Empirical studies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods), systematic reviews, and syntheses
focusing on Ghanaian youth (13–30).
Peer-reviewed journal articles, graduate theses, and reputable reports published in English.
Studies explicitly link social media to at least one theme: mental health, education, behavior, culture, or
entrepreneurship.
Exclusion:
Non-Ghana-focused studies or those lacking empirical data.
Opinion pieces, editorial commentaries, and articles are not peer-reviewed.
Data Extraction and Quality Assessment
Data were systematically extracted, noting author(s), year, study design, sample size, key findings, and
limitations. Quality was assessed using the PRISMA checklist for selection transparency (Page et al., 2021) and
the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) tool for methodological rigor. Discrepancies were resolved
through discussion between reviewers.
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RESULTS
Overview of Selected Studies
Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse methodologies (surveys, interviews, and mixed
methods) and populations from both urban and rural Ghana. Key focus areas include mental health, educational
impact, cultural behaviors, and socio-economic outcomes.
Author(s) & Year
Study Design
Focus Area
Key Findings
DataReportal (2025);
Kemp (2025)
Industry report
(secondary data
analysis)
National digital
adoption, social
media penetration,
and mobile
connectivity
High social media
growth driven by
mobile internet;
platforms central to
youth communication
and commerce; rising
local content visibility
alongside global
trends
JSOMER (2024)
Cross-sectional
survey
Social media
addiction
prevalence and
predictors among
Ghanaian youths
Moderate-to-high
prevalence; predictors
include high daily use,
peer influence,
boredom/escapism,
and low self-
regulation
Markwei & Appiah
(2016).
Case study (mixed
methods)
Social media’s
impact on the Nima
and Maamobi
communities
Social media enables
networking,
information access,
and civic voice; risks
include distraction and
exposure to harmful
content
Mensah (2021)
Quantitative
correlational
Social media use
and academic
performance in
Ghanaian
universities
Excessive social
media use is
associated with lower
grades; time
management and
purposeful use
mitigate adverse
effects
Ocansey, Ametepe &
Fynn Oduro (2016)
Descriptive survey
General impact of
social media on
Ghanaian youth
Widespread adoption
with mixed outcomes:
enhanced connectivity
and learning alongside
distraction, privacy
risks, and dependency
Twenge & Campbell
(2018).
Population-based
cross-sectional
(non-Ghana)
Screen time and
psychological
well-being in
adolescents
Higher screen time is
linked to lower well-
being indicators,
suggesting that
moderation is
beneficial
Agyei (2020)
Correlational
survey
Social media
addiction and
Addiction positively
predicts
procrastination; self-
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academic
procrastination
control mediates the
relationship
Aryeh-Adjei et al.
(2025)
Mixed methods
(survey/interviews)
Digital tech
adoption in
informal
entrepreneurship
(Okere District)
Social media and
mobile tools expand
market reach,
customer engagement,
and efficiency;
barriers include cost,
skills, and
connectivity
Adaki (2023)
Systematic
literature review
Westernization and
changing African
family structures
Western cultural
diffusion (including
social media) reshapes
norms,
communication, and
youth identity within
families
Boateng et al. (2025).
Systematic review
protocol
Mental health
messaging via
social media in
sub-Saharan Africa
Protocol outlines
methods to assess the
effectiveness of digital
mental health
messaging
Bokor (2014)
Qualitative/analyti
cal
New media and
democratization in
Ghana
Social media
facilitates political
activism and civic
participation,
lowering the barrier to
voice.
Gyane, G. & Osei
(2025)
Cross-sectional
survey
Social media use
and adolescent
sexual behaviours
(Drobo)
Greater social media
engagement is
associated with earlier
sexual debut and
higher risk
behaviours; peer
norms and content
exposure are relevant
Shi et al. (2022).
Quantitative survey
(SEM)
Social media/e-
commerce
adoption and
entrepreneurial
intention
Adoption, perceived
usefulness, and social
influence increase
entrepreneurial
intention among
graduates
Awaah, T. & Addo
(2024)
Cross-sectional
survey
Cyberbullying’s
effects on
Ghanaian tertiary
students’ academic
life
Cyberbullying
correlates with
reduced academic
engagement, increased
stress, and lower
performance
Agana et al. (2024).
Conceptual/analyti
cal study
Modern media’s
role in preserving
moral values and
economic
development
Media can transmit
cultural values and
support socio-
economic
development when
guided by local norms
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Agyapong-Opoku et
al. (2025).
Scoping review of
reviews
Social media use
and
youth/adolescent
mental health
Mixed evidence: both
risks (anxiety, sleep
issues) and benefits
(connection,
information); effects
depend on use patterns
Zelenin (2024)
Comparative/analy
tical
Social networks,
identity, and self-
realisation (global)
Social platforms shape
identity formation,
self-expression, and
social capital among
youth
Attuquayefio, A.-D.
& Okronipa (2023)
Quantitative survey
(SEM)
Academic
entrepreneurship
and social media
adoption
Perceived usefulness,
ease of use, and social
influence drive
adoption for academic
entrepreneurship
Dadzie & Adjotor
(2022).
Cross-sectional
survey
Media literacy and
ethical social
media use among
Ghanaian youth
Higher media literacy
is associated with
more ethical/secure
online behaviour
Ayisi et al. (2024).
Mixed methods
(program
evaluation)
Access to digital
media and digital
literacy (EEE
Model)
Structured programs
improve digital
literacy; access gaps
persist across regions
and socio-economic
groups
Frimpong et al.
(2020).
Quantitative
(observational)
Social media,
political activism,
and voting patterns
Online activism linked
to shifts in voting
behaviour and
mobilisation
THEMATIC SYNTHESIS
Mental Health and Psychological Well-being
The mental health implications of social media among Ghanaian youth emerge as a dominant theme across
numerous studies (JSOMER, 2024; Agyapong-Opoku et al., 2025; Ocansey et al., 2016). High-frequency social
media use is consistently associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social media addiction.
Reported prevalences include 62% anxiety, 49% depression, and 12.3% addiction (JSOMER, 2024). These rates
suggest significant psychological burdens intensified by the digital environment. Common risk factors include
exposure to cyberbullying (Awaah et al., 2024), social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and
nomophobia, especially acute among adolescent girls (JSOMER, 2024).
Despite these concerns, some studies highlight the potential for social media to facilitate peer support networks
and reduce mental health stigma (Agyapong-Opoku et al., 2025; Boateng et al., 2025). Youth engage in online
communities where they share experiences and seek informal help, fostering resilience and emotional expression
(Ayisi et al., 2024). This dual role encapsulates social media’s complex influence, as both a stressor and a coping
resource.
Educational Impact: Opportunities and Challenges
Social media’s role in education is both enabling and disruptive. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and
Telegram are widely used by Ghanaian students, with over 40% actively participating in academic groups,
facilitating peer learning, resource sharing, and informal mentorship (Markwei & Appiah, 2016; Mensah, 2021).
These digital tools help bridge resource gaps in formal education, improve digital literacy, and foster
collaborative skills (Adaki, 2023).
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Conversely, extensive social media engagement correlates strongly with academic distraction, procrastination,
and reduced concentration. Over 45% of students self-report negative impacts on study time, with educators
noting declines in grammar and writing quality attributed to the informal language conventions practiced online
(Mensah, 2021; Agyei, 2020). The absence of systematic digital literacy curricula exacerbates these challenges,
underscoring a critical need for educational policy reforms that address digital competencies and cyber wellness
(Ayisi et al., 2024).
Social Behavior, Cultural Identity, and Ethical Implications
Social media platforms have a significant influence on identity formation, cultural expression, and social norms,
particularly among urban Ghanaian youth. Studies reveal a dynamic interplay between Western cultural
influences and the reinforcement of local Ghanaian traditions, resulting in a hybridized cultural identity (Adaki,
2023; Ocansey et al., 2016). Youth adopt Western fashion, music genres, and language styles through global
platforms, yet simultaneously promote Ghanaian music, language, and activism, suggesting active cultural
negotiation rather than mere cultural replacement (Cultural Identity Study, 2024). Ethical concerns constitute an
emerging theme. Dadzie and Adjotor (2022) and related studies highlight the misuse of social media in Ghana
through misinformation, cyberbullying, hate speech, and exposure to sexually explicit content. These issues
threaten core national values such as respect, integrity, and communal harmony. Widespread unethical practices
fueled by the ‘attention economy’ jeopardize youth moral development and societal cohesion, posing challenges
for regulators and educators alike (Dadzie & Adjotor, 2022; Markwei & Appiah, 2016). Social media has
reinvigorated youth political participation, with over 50% of politically engaged youth mobilizing and
advocating causes digitally (Frimpong et al., 2020). This digital activism reflects broader trends in which social
media empowers civic engagement, despite ethical and content-related challenges.
Socio-economic Outcomes and Digital Entrepreneurship
Promoting digital entrepreneurship and informal economic activities is a robust and optimistic theme in the
reviewed literature. (Attuquayefio et al., 2023; Aryeh-Adjei et al., 2025) A report indicates that over 60% of
young Ghanaian graduates utilize social media platforms for marketing, brand building, and customer
(re)engagement, providing unprecedented access to local and global markets.
This empowerment integrates formal and informal economic sectors, providing viable alternatives to pervasive
youth unemployment (Shi et al. 2022). However, infrastructural limitations (internet access and speed), digital
literacy gaps, and gender and rural–urban divides constrain equitable participation in the digital economy
(JSOMER, 2024; Ayisi et al., 2024). Policy and institutional responses lag behind youth innovation, highlighting
key areas for targeted interventions and support.
Gaps and Emerging Needs Across Themes
While the included studies are rich in cross-sectional and mixed-method insights, several gaps recur. A paucity
of longitudinal and intervention research makes it challenging to understand causal relationships or track
developmental trajectories (Markwei & Appiah, 2016; Ocansey et al., 2016). Research on marginalized
populations in particular, rural youth, females, and persons with disabilities, is limited, potentially obscuring
diverse experiences of social media’s impact (Zelenin, 2024). Furthermore, positive outcomes, such as digital
civic engagement, mental health advocacy, and creative content production, warrant deeper empirical attention
(Boateng et al., 2025; Bokor, 2014, p. 5). Ethical considerations and digital literacy emerged as essential cross-
cutting priorities to maximize benefits and mitigate harms. Multiple authors advocate for comprehensive digital
literacy education that integrates media ethics, mental health awareness, and online safety (Ayisi et al., 2024;
Dadzie & Adjotor, 2022).
DISCUSSION
Interpretation of Findings
This systematic review has synthesized evidence from 20 empirical studies and reports on the multifaceted
impact of social media on Ghanaian youth aged 13–30. The findings underscore that social media is deeply
embedded in the lives of young people, presenting a complex interplay of opportunities and risks.
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Mentally, social media use correlates strongly with adverse psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression,
and addiction-like behaviors. Rates reported (e.g., 62% anxiety and nearly 50% depression) indicate pervasive
mental health burdens exacerbated by phenomena such as cyberbullying, social comparison, and “fear of missing
out” (JSOMER, 2024; Agyapong-Opoku et al., 2025). However, social media simultaneously functions as a
platform for peer support, reducing stigma and encouraging informal help-seeking, thereby revealing its dual
role as both a potential stressor and a coping resource (Boateng et al., 2025).
Educational impacts demonstrate a similarly nuanced picture. Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook are
leveraged to enhance collaborative learning and resource sharing, thereby improving the digital literacy and
academic engagement of many students (Markwei & Appiah, 2016; Mensah, 2021). Nevertheless, unregulated
use fosters distraction, procrastination, and a decline in formal writing skills, highlighting a pressing need for
digital literacy and cyber wellness education to be integrated into curricula (Ayisi et al., 2024). Culturally, social
media both challenges and rejuvenates Ghanaian youth identity. Exposure to Western cultural practices through
social media has a significant influence on fashion, language, and music. However, youth actively hybridize
global and local cultures, promoting Ghanaian artistic expression and social causes, thereby reshaping traditions
in digitally mediated forms. Moreover, increased digital activism and civic engagement mark social media as a
powerful tool for youth agency in Ghana’s democratic process (Frimpong et al., 2020). Economically, the
adoption of social media facilitates youth entrepreneurship and informal economic activity, enabling graduates
and young adults to build brands, market products, and access markets beyond traditional constraints (Shi et al.,
2022). Despite this promise, infrastructural deficits and digital divides, especially along rural-urban and gender
lines, limit inclusive participation, revealing policy and systemic barriers (JSOMER, 2024; Ayisi et al., 2024).
Comparison with Global Trends
The Ghanaian experience parallels global patterns observed in youth social media use, including mental health
challenges, educational disruptions, cultural negotiations, and entrepreneurial opportunities (Kuss & Griffiths,
2017; Twenge & Campbell, 2018). However, uniquely Ghanaian contextual factors profoundly shape these
experiences. Ghana’s strong familial and community networks often mediate the individualistic tendencies
observed elsewhere (Markwei & Appiah, 2016). Unlike some Western contexts, where digital entrepreneurship
is formalized, Ghanaian youth predominantly navigate informal economies, deploying social media-based
strategies that are underpinned by limited institutional support (Shi et al., 2022). Politically, Ghanaian youth
activism via social media aligns with broader African digital movements but is distinguished by a high degree
of interplay between local in-person mobilization and digital communication (Bokor, 2014, p. 5).
Unique Ghanaian Cultural and Socio-economic Factors
The fusion of Western and indigenous cultural elements, mediated through social media platforms, represents a
key characteristic of the Ghanaian digital youth sphere (Kang’ethe & Team, 2025). Vernacular languages and
local dialects are increasingly visible online, ensuring cultural preservation and innovation (Ocansey et al.,
2016). Socio-economically, the digital divide remains stark: urban youth typically benefit from greater access
and skills development than their rural or marginalized counterparts (JSOMER, 2024). Gender disparities in
social media access and digital entrepreneurship opportunities further complicate the equitable distribution of
benefits. Moreover, limited mental health infrastructure accentuates the risks linked to social media-induced
psychological distress, calling for integrated health and digital literacy approaches.
Implications for Policy, Education, and Youth Development
Given the findings, several actionable recommendations emerge:
Integrate Digital Literacy and Mental Health Education: Curricula at all levels should incorporate critical
digital skills, cyber wellness, and mental health literacy to empower youths to navigate social media’s
risks responsibly and harness its benefits.
Expand Youth-Focused Digital Infrastructure: To address digital inequities, government and private
sector investments must prioritize affordable, high-quality internet access across rural and marginalized
communities.
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Support Youth Entrepreneurship: Formalize support mechanisms, including training, seed funding, and
mentorship for digital entrepreneurs to enhance the informal sector’s productivity and sustainability.
Strengthen Mental Health Services: Expand accessible mental health services focusing on youth,
integrating social-media-related issues, and leveraging online platforms for awareness and support.
Foster Civic Engagement and Cultural Preservation: Leverage social media to amplify youth voices in
governance and civic matters while promoting Ghanaian cultural heritage online.
Encourage Longitudinal and Intervention Research: Support academic efforts to generate evidence on
effective interventions addressing social media’s complex effects to inform adaptive policies.
Recommendations for Stakeholders
Educators should embed comprehensive digital literacy and emotional well-being programs in curricula.
Policymakers must prioritize expanding digital infrastructure, regulating social media to safeguard youth
without curtailing innovation, and supporting youth entrepreneurship.
Parents and Communities must actively engage in youth digital education, promoting open dialogue on
safe and meaningful online interactions.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review confirms that social media has a profound influence on the lives of Ghanaian youth,
impacting their mental health, education, social identity, culture, and economic opportunities. The dual nature
of social media as both a platform for social support, entrepreneurship, and global connectivity, and a source of
psychological distress, distraction, and cultural tension, is evident. Youth navigate these terrains within uniquely
Ghanaian socio-cultural frameworks characterized by strong community ties and hybridized identities. However,
challenges such as digital divides, a lack of structured digital literacy education, and limited mental health
infrastructure constrain the realization of social media’s full potential.
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