Warning against social media’s instant gratification trap

The Psychological Society of South Africa’s Shazia Ismail Mia says while social media provides a platform for creativity and connection, it also comes with significant risks to mental health challenges that sometimes lead to poor decisions, in pursuit of attention or validation.

Mia warns that when individuals become consumed by the idea of social media fame, they may also experience a distortion in their sense of reality and accountability.

She cites content creator Matthew Lani’s case as a perfect example of this.

“His fabricated persona, driven by the pursuit of likes and followers, ultimately resulted in legal consequences, including an arrest. Despite maintaining his innocence, Lani’s story illustrates how the allure of social media attention can have devastating real-world implications,” explains the mental health expert.

Her remarks are in reaction to a recent interview Lani had on an Engineer Your Life podcast, where he admitted that his addiction to attention contributed to his continued lie that he was a medical doctor.

Lani made headlines last year after videos of him giving medical advice and weight loss pills went viral and later landed him in hot water.

When more people started asking questions about his advice and qualifications, he dismissed those concerns. The Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Gauteng Health Department intervened and confirmed that Lani was not a registered medical practitioner.

Wits University, where he had claimed to have graduated from, also denied knowledge of him.

@engineeryourlife_ #engineeryourlife #engineeryourlifewithlungelokm❤️ #drmatthewlani #fypシ ♬ original sound – ENGINEER YOUR LIFE

Mia says the addictive nature of social media, through its instant gratification, which manifests through likes, shares, and comments, can definitely drive people to engage in risky behaviours.

“This can exacerbate mental health challenges and even a break from reality. For those already vulnerable to such pressures, social media can act as a catalyst for poor decisions,” she warns.

“To avoid being trapped by the fleeting validation of social media, it is crucial to prioritise authenticity and personal values. Users should remain mindful of the content they create and share, recognising the potential consequences of misrepresenting themselves or engaging in harmful behaviours for attention.”

While some social media users have continued to poke fun at Lani, who has also shared how the whole experience left him broke and homeless, Mia urges the youth to acquaint themselves with the dark side of social media.

“Lani’s story is a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of social media when authenticity and ethical behaviour are sacrificed for fleeting fame. In an era where digital personas often overshadow reality, prioritising values and integrity over likes and shares is essential to preserving one’s mental health and legal standing.”

She is also urging young people to build meaningful real-world relationships, which she believes, provides a grounding force, reducing the reliance on virtual validation.

“By approaching social media with mindfulness, authenticity, and a commitment to mental well-being, users can protect themselves from the potentially devastating consequences of chasing online fame. The pursuit of online recognition should never come at the cost of mental health, integrity, or legal standing,” she concludes.