The social media trap: Why more young people are chasing 'quick money'

Social media is encouraging many young people to believe that success comes quickly, creating unrealistic expectations and fuelling a growing appetite for instant wealth, according to a Ghanaian entrepreneur.

The Chief Executive Officer of Total Logistics Ghana, Emmanuel Percy-Brown, says carefully curated images of luxury lifestyles on social media are shaping how many young people measure achievement, often without revealing the years of sacrifice, failure and persistence behind genuine success.

"The lies of social media are making people believe things happen overnight," he told Executive Spotlight.

His comments come amid growing debate over the influence of social media on young people's ambitions, spending habits and mental wellbeing, with experts increasingly warning that online platforms can distort perceptions of success.

'People only see the finished product'

Mr Percy-Brown said many users are exposed to expensive cars, luxury homes and designer fashion every day, creating the impression that wealth is easily attainable.

What is often missing, he argued, is the story behind those achievements.

"People see the success but they don't see the struggle," he said.

He believes this has contributed to what he describes as a growing "quick money" culture, where some young people expect financial success within a short period and become discouraged when progress is slower than anticipated.

Pressure to keep up

Social media has become one of the most influential platforms for young people seeking inspiration, entertainment and career opportunities.

But Mr Percy-Brown said it has also intensified comparisons, with many measuring their own progress against carefully selected moments from other people's lives.

He warned that the pressure to match those lifestyles can leave young people frustrated, particularly those still pursuing education, looking for work or trying to establish businesses.

Psychologists have previously linked excessive social media use with anxiety, lower self-esteem and unhealthy comparisons, particularly among younger users.

'Quick money' mentality

The entrepreneur said the pursuit of instant success risks encouraging poor decisions and diverting attention away from education, skills development and entrepreneurship.

He argued that many successful business leaders spent years developing expertise before achieving financial success.

According to him, discipline, resilience and patience remain essential ingredients for sustainable careers.

"Quick money, quick money," he said, describing what he believes has become an increasingly common aspiration among some young people.

Education remains key

While acknowledging the economic pressures facing many young Ghanaians, Mr Percy-Brown urged them to focus on developing practical skills and gaining experience rather than chasing lifestyles portrayed online.

He said employers increasingly value competence, integrity and adaptability more than outward displays of wealth.

"Don't cheat. Be truthful. Work hard," he advised.

A wider responsibility

Mr Percy-Brown also called on parents, teachers and community leaders to help young people develop a healthier understanding of success.

He said society should celebrate hard work, innovation and responsible entrepreneurship rather than unexplained wealth.

For him, the challenge is not social media itself but the expectations it creates when success is presented without the setbacks, sacrifices and years of effort that often make it possible.

He believes helping young people distinguish between online appearances and reality will be critical if Ghana is to build a generation equipped for long-term success rather than short-term rewards.