Social Media Obsession and the Erosion of Family Bonds

In the 21st century, social media has become the world’s loudest voice. It was created to connect us, yet it increasingly pulls us apart. Today, we often see families sitting together but living separately, each glued to a screen, scrolling endlessly, chatting with people far away while ignoring the ones right beside them.This is no longer harmless distraction; it is becoming a threat to humanity itself.When Phones Replace PeopleThe Anglophone regions of Cameroon tell a sobering story. In times of crisis, gunshots, floods, accidents, what do people do first? Instead of helping victims, many rush to capture videos and photos for Facebook, WhatsApp and for other social media platformsA few days ago, a man drowned in floodwaters. Dozens watched, phones raised, recording every moment. Only a handful tried to save him. One rescuer almost carried away but the man who fell in the water was swept away and later confirmed dead. The videos went viral. But what does that matter when a human life was lost?This is the reality: we have exchanged compassion for content, and our humanity is paying the price.Why Is This Happening?The causes are not hard to find and are not limited to the following:1. Addiction to validation: Likes, shares, and comments now matter more than real human appreciation.2. The erosion of family values: Our traditional culture of storytelling, family time, and bonding is disappearing.3. Copycat culture: People chase viral trends, even if it means ignoring their moral duty.4. Moral emptiness: Technology has outpaced ethics. We teach children how to use devices but not how to use them responsibly.Sherry Turkle, a social scientist, once observed: “We are lonely, but afraid of intimacy. Digital connections may offer the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship.”Humanity FirstWe need to hit pause. Families must bring back phone-free times to rebuild trust and intimacy. Communities must return to the values of solidarity and compassion. Schools, churches, and civic groups must teach not just how to use social media, but how to use it responsibly.Albert Einstein warned long ago: “It Social Media Obsession and the Erosion of Family Bonds become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” His words ring louder today than ever before.My TakeSocial media is not the enemy, it is a tool. But when a tool becomes the master, society is in danger. We must reclaim our humanity before it slips away entirely. No number of likes or shares can ever equal the value of a human life.The question is simple: will we continue trading our compassion for content, or will we rise above the screens and put people first again?By Chefor Eugene What are some obsession that You've noticed about social media and human relation?

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