Social Media and Ghanaian Youth: A Systematic Review of Impacts and Implications

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 2015 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 (Datar portal, 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.