Emaduku: Many Smartphone Users Lack Intellectual Development

By Henry Ubus

The Director-General of Unique Sound Minds Initiative, Chief Austin Akpotu Emaduku, PhD, has expressed concern over what he described as the growing intellectual decline among young people in the age of social media, urging youths to prioritize critical thinking and personal development over excessive dependence on smartphones.

Chief Emaduku made the remarks in a post shared on his social media platforms under the title, “Needed: Smart Brains for Smartphones.” In the post, he lamented what he called one of the most damaging consequences of the social media era, the emergence of a generation that relies more on technology than on independent reasoning.

According to him, many young people have become so dependent on their mobile devices that they allow their fingers to do the thinking that should ordinarily be done by their brains.

“One of the most virulent scourges unleashed by the advent of social media on society today is the proliferation of young people whose fingers think for their brains,” he stated.

The renowned education advocate and former President general of Union of Udu Communities(UUC) stressed that possession of a smartphone does not automatically make a person intelligent, noting that many individuals who own sophisticated devices have failed to develop the intellectual capacity required to use them productively.

“The smartphone does not make you smart. Truth is there are so many analogue people holding smartphones. You need a smart brain to use the smartphone,” he added.

Chief Emaduku emphasized the need for young people to cultivate reading habits, critical thinking skills, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, arguing that technology should serve as a tool for knowledge acquisition rather than a substitute for genuine learning and reasoning.

He further urged parents, educators, and community leaders to encourage youths to engage in meaningful educational activities that promote innovation, problem-solving, and personal growth.

The Unique Sound Minds Initiative DG maintained that while technology has created enormous opportunities for learning and communication, its benefits can only be maximized by individuals who possess the mental discipline and intellectual capacity to use it responsibly.

His comments have sparked discussions among social media users on the role of technology in shaping the attitudes, learning patterns, and productivity of young people in contemporary society.