Nene Aderibigbe, mother of Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, has expressed concern over the growing influence of social media on Generation Z, saying many young people have become dependent on other people’s opinions rather than forming their own views.
Aderibigbe said the younger generation’s excessive use of smartphones and social media has affected their ability to think independently and recognise their individual talents.
She made the remarks while discussing the impact of social media on young people, noting that many members of Gen Z possess unique abilities but fail to identify them due to external influences.
She said, “Social media has just turned a lot of things upside down. They don’t have their own thinking again; it is only people’s thinking they use now.”
The singer’s mother further advised young people to deliberately spend time away from their phones to reflect on their lives and develop their mental well-being.
She encouraged them to dedicate at least two to three hours daily to activities that promote self-awareness, including meditation.
She said, “Take your time, drop your phone down for two, three hours, do mental note, put your head down, take a mental note or meditate.”