Excessive Social Media Use Can Undermine Relationships – Mental Health Advocate

Mental Health Advocate Justice Ocloo has raised concerns about the growing impact of excessive social media use on personal relationships, warning that digital communication, while convenient, cannot fully replace physical human interaction.
His comments come amid increasing concerns about the broader psychological and social effects of prolonged social media use, particularly among young people and working professionals.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed, Mr. Ocloo acknowledged the benefits of digital connectivity, especially for individuals in long-distance relationships or business partnerships across different countries.
However, he stressed that the issue is not about discouraging social media use, but rather examining how it affects the quality of relationships.
“People may say they are digitally connected, they can have video calls with their partners or business associates but the real question is whether this form of interaction is negatively affecting their relationships,” he explained.
Mr. Ocloo emphasized that while technology enables communication across borders, it lacks key elements that are essential for building and sustaining strong relationships. According to him, physical presence offers emotional depth and clarity that digital platforms often fail to provide.
“There is something physical presence does to a relationship that digital presence cannot fully replicate,” he noted.
He pointed out that nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone, and body language play a critical role in effective communication. These cues are often absent or distorted in digital interactions, leading to misunderstandings.
“For instance, when speaking on the phone or online, a person may not be able to tell whether you are smiling or upset. Yet communication is a key pillar of any relationship,” he said.
Mr. Ocloo further explained that technical issues such as poor network connections can also alter the tone of conversations, sometimes making individuals sound harsh or uninterested, even when that was not their intention.
The Mental Health Advocate stressed that emotional expressions are often diluted in digital communication. “Saying ‘I love you’ in person comes with a certain expression that may not be conveyed effectively through a phone call or message,” he stated.
While acknowledging the importance of social media in modern life, Mr. Ocloo warned that overuse can gradually weaken interpersonal bonds if it replaces meaningful, in-person engagement.
He urged individuals to strike a balance between digital and physical interactions, ensuring that technology enhances rather than undermines their relationships.