Ayra Starr’s Mother Criticises Social Media Influence on Gen Z

Nene Aderibigbe, mother of Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, has expressed concern over the influence of social media on Generation Z, arguing that many young people increasingly depend on other people’s opinions rather than developing independent thoughts.

Aderibigbe said she was worried about the younger generation’s heavy reliance on mobile phones and what she described as their inability to recognise their own talents.

Speaking about the issue, she criticised the effect of social media on young people’s thinking and decision-making.

“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,” she said.

She also argued that many young people possess considerable talents but struggle to recognise their abilities because of the influence of social media.

Aderibigbe advised members of Gen Z to deliberately spend time away from their phones to reflect on their lives and develop greater self-awareness.

She encouraged young people to set aside two to three hours without their devices, take stock of their thoughts and consider meditation as a way of improving their mental focus.

“Take your time, drop your phone down for two, three hours, do mental note, put your head down, take a mental note or meditate,” she advised.

Her comments have added to ongoing conversations about social media use, digital dependence and its influence on the attitudes and self-perception of young people.