Social Media Addiction Can Affect Career Growth

By Maame Efua Kwaduah

The Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Christian Agyare, has cautioned newly qualified veterinary doctors against excessive use of mobile phones and social media.

He warned that addiction to digital platforms could negatively affect their professional growth and future careers.

According to him, while social media and digital technology offer valuable opportunities for learning, networking, research and career advancement, their misuse can lead to reduced productivity, poor academic performance, and diminished professional focus.

Professor. Agyare made the remarks during the White Coat Ceremony of the School of Veterinary Medicine. The ceremony officially inducted a new cohort of veterinary students into the clinical phase of their training.

Addressing the students, he stressed the importance of exercising discipline in their use of mobile devices and online platforms, urging them to remain focused on their academic and professional responsibilities.

“With this, I believe my students, the key advice apart from all the knowledge and information we have shared has to do with your phone. How you make use of your phone and social media is very, very crucial. Make sure that you are controlling your phone and your social media engagement rather than these two items controlling you,” he said.

He further warned that many people underestimate the addictive nature of social media platforms, noting that excessive engagement can gradually affect productivity and personal development.

“They are very addictive; you may not even know, so be careful with the use of these gadgets and engagement on social media,” he added.

Professor Agyare also commended lecturers and faculty members of the School of Veterinary Medicine for their dedication to training future professionals. He expressed confidence that the college would continue to strengthen its reputation and academic standing under future leadership.

He encouraged continuous improvement in teaching and learning outcomes, stating that the institution has the potential to become a leading centre of excellence for veterinary education in Ghana and beyond.

The Provost further acknowledged the contributions of alumni of the school, noting that despite their relatively small numbers, many graduates are making significant contributions within Ghana and internationally.

“We need to appreciate them,” he said.

Professor Agyare also expressed gratitude to development partners, benefactors, and stakeholders who continue to support the college. He called on parents, alumni, and well-wishers to contribute towards the growth of the institution, stressing that every contribution, regardless of size, can make a meaningful difference.

“It can be a small equipment, it can be a small donation, but small, small, as we say, we make the basket full,” he stated.

He emphasized that collective support remains essential to improving veterinary education and strengthening the capacity of the institution to train competent professionals for the country’s animal health and agricultural sectors.