Author: Adhishtha Manohar
Impact of Social Media on Adolescence
Falcón-Linares Sara González-Yubero et al emphasize on the the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of adolescents. They Emphasize on the need for qualitative insights into young people’s experiences with social media to complement existing quantitative research. The study includes a systematic literature review and narrative synthesis of qualitative articles published between 2013 and 2023. The sample consists of 25 articles, revealing five thematic categories: 1) Self-Expression and Social Validation, 2) Overestimation of Physical Appearance and Pursuit of Perfect Look, 3) The Stress of Constant Networking and Its Consequences, 4) Getting Involved and Supporting Each Other, and 5) Facing Cyberbullying or Models Inciting Self-Harm. The results highlight both positive and negative aspects of social media use among adolescents, addressing issues such as self-esteem, body image, stress, cyberbullying, and peer support. The article concludes with implications for educational interventions, emphasizing the importance of responsible and sustainable social media use and the need for support in overcoming challenges related to mental health.
The Impact of Social Media on Employee Mental Health
Zhou, Rong Luo explore the phenomenon of employee social media use at work in the context of the rapid development of the Internet. They conduct a scoping review of 105 papers from the Social Science Citation Index in Web of Science to define and characterize employee social media use, examine types of social media, discuss research methods, and analyze the positive and negative effects on employees’ work attitudes, behaviors, and performance. They also explore mediating and moderating variables, theoretical frameworks, and construct a comprehensive model of employee social media use. Future research directions are suggested based on the latest results from 2020 to 2022, emphasizing the improvement of research methods, expanding antecedent and consequence studies, and exploring additional mediating variables, moderating variables, and theoretical perspectives. They also outline key issues in the current research and potential areas for future exploration. In terms of theoretical perspectives, they explore three main frameworks: mass communication perspective (media richness theory and use and satisfaction theory), individual motivation perspective (belongingness theory, resource conservation theory, and social cognitive theory), and interpersonal interaction perspective (social capital theory, social support theory, social penetration theory, and organizational commitment theory). These perspectives provide insights into how social media use affects employees’ job performance, behavior, and attitudes.
Social media use is influenced by organizational social media policies and individual factors such as job satisfaction, online social capital, and IT competency. Additionally, it highlights the moderating role of workplace virtuality, task relevance, and task ambiguity in the relationship between social media use and employee performance.
Theoretical perspectives shed light on the psychological and social aspects of social media use, ranging from enhancing organizational communication and satisfaction to fostering social connections, supporting resource conservation, and influencing organizational commitment.
The concluding section mentions that the integrated model presented in the article serves as a foundation for research findings from 2020–2022 and suggests potential future research directions in the field of employee social media use.
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON WOMENS BODY IMAGE PERCEPTION
Xu Jiaqing and Mumtaz Aini Alivi state that social networking sites are an inseparable part of our lives in today’s world. These platforms grant us opportunities to develop connections and exchange stories. Along with these advantages there are some disadvantages as well. Social media platforms are accused of setting unrealistic beauty standards and distort perception of female beauty. Many studies have concluded that the wellbeing of young female users maybe negatively affected when engaged with social media. There is direct correlation between excessive media usage and poor-quality sleep as these platforms are highly addictive. Users who frequently visit these sites report having low self esteem high anxiety and higher level of sadness the study employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to analyze data obtained from Scopus sources on the intersection of social media, body image dissatisfaction, and influencers among females. Utilizing the R software for analysis, the study narrows down 107 results to 87 publications through filters based on subject disciplines and article types. A subsequent language filter limits the database search to 84 English entries. The bibliometric investigation uses the Bibliometrix RStudio software for a descriptive analysis, revealing a dataset of 84 documents from 68 sources, including journals, books, and other publications, covering the period from 2013 to 2023. The paper’s yearly growth rate is 33.51%, with an average paper age of 1.8 years. The dataset includes 17,714 references, indicating comprehensive research, and each document receives an average of 4.893 citations. The analysis covers various aspects such as publishing year, author information, publisher details, organization affiliations, nation of origin, and keywords. Results show 278 distinct Keywords Plus and 300 author’s keywords, contributing to the study’s themes. A total of 263 authors are involved, with an average of 3.29 co-authors per document. Approximately 23.81% of co-authorships are international, indicating global collaboration. The collection includes 62 articles, 10 books, 5 book chapters, 1 conference paper, and 6 reviews, reflecting diverse scholarly contributions in the field.
Behavioral Challenges for Children and Adolescents with Disabilities Using Social Media and Playing Video Games
Bălaș-Baconschi, Cristina et al emphasize on the pervasive influence of social media and video games on the lives of children and adolescents, emphasizing the rise in digital media consumption over the past decades. The use of mobile devices, allowing access to various content and promoting multitasking, raises concerns among professionals. While there are advantages such as broader information access and faster communication, studies associate screen exposure with health and psychological issues in youth.
Statistics reveal that a significant percentage of children and adolescents engage in daily social media use, with a substantial number also involved in video games. The increased time spent on these activities has led to problematic behaviors, contributing to the recognition of gaming addiction as a psychiatric disorder. While there is extensive research on the impact of social media and video games on typically developed individuals, there is a notable scarcity of studies on children with disabilities.
Theoretical foundations suggest that social media use may have differing effects based on factors like self-esteem. Some studies indicate negative impacts on children and adolescents with disabilities, leading to issues such as cyberbullying. Vulnerabilities arise due to poor social skills, lack of Theory of Mind skills, and challenges in discerning online content’s authenticity.
Excessive screen time is linked to negative well-being symptoms in children aged 10-12. Parents play a crucial role, expressing concerns about the risks posed by social media and video games, such as exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying. However, parents also recognize the benefits, such as improved communication and a sense of belonging for children with disabilities.
Parental mediation strategies, including active discussions, secure internet use rules, and content control, are identified as means to mitigate risks. The article emphasizes the impact of parents’ screen time and attitudes on children’s screen time. Parental education is considered a preventive measure, raising awareness about the negative effects of excessive social media and video game use.
To conclude we can say that a better understanding of children’s disabilities and positive parent-child relationships contribute to effective support and guidance in using social media. Parents’ well-being and realistic expectations further enhance their ability to address inappropriate behaviors in online spaces.
The Impact of Smartphone and Social Media Use on Adolescent Sleep Quality and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Lee, Young Blebea et al emphasize on the associations between social media (SM) use, phone use around bedtime, sleep quality, depression, and anxiety among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Archival data from fall 2020 surveys conducted in a rural school district in Michigan with 200 participants (12-15 years old) were analyzed. Linear regression analyses revealed that higher self-reported SM use was linked to poorer sleep quality and greater depression. Sleep quality mediated the association between SM use and depression. Adolescents bringing smartphones to bed had worse sleep quality than those without phones. SM use was not directly associated with anxiety after controlling for age and gender. The study emphasizes the potential negative impact of SM use on adolescent mental health, with sleep disruption mediating this relationship even during the pandemic. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the dynamics between SM use, sleep, and mental health in adolescents.
A critical analysis of the Role of Social Media in Shaping National Well-Being
Dinescu and Cristina delve into the ongoing debate surrounding the effects of media use and access, particularly focusing on the impact of online social media on the psychological well-being (PWB) of adolescents. The literature review highlights the contradictory evidence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of social media interaction for teenagers. The prevalence of social networking sites (SN) among American teenagers is noted, and concerns about the potential and negative effects on mental health, such as “Internet use disorder” and “Facebook Depression,” are discussed.
The study explores the relationship between social media use and PWB, considering the dual aspects of harm and benefit. The American Psychiatric Association’s inclusion of “Internet use disorder” in diagnostic manuals is mentioned in response to concerns about internet dependence, especially among children and teens. The study acknowledges the disputed link between violent media, online interactions, and aggressive behaviors in students. Issues like poor self-perception, eating problems, and substance use are associated with media exposure.
Contrasting viewpoints on the impact of video games on students are presented, with some studies suggesting harm and others highlighting potential benefits like teamwork and problem-solving skills. The study emphasizes the need to understand the risks and benefits of online social media for students, considering its increasing popularity in their lives. The advantages, including enhanced social interaction, access to educational resources, and improved mental health through a sense of belonging, are acknowledged. Social media is seen as a potential tool for reducing isolation and developing social skills in students.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recognition of social media as a frequent entertainment for students is noted, and the scarcity of studies on the negative impacts of social media on health is highlighted. The study underscores the ongoing debate and polarization among academics regarding the effects of social media on PWB. Criticisms of past research, particularly relying on cross-sectional data, are raised, and the current study aims to contribute to existing knowledge by utilizing longitudinal data and multilevel modeling.
The related works section briefly mentions studies that explore the social networks and PWB of older individuals, the two-dimensional scale assessing the health outcomes of social media use, and the psychological risks faced by youth due to cyberbullying. The concluding remarks outline the structure of the paper, including related work, methodology, results, and conclusion.
Social media for public health: Reaping the benefits, mitigating the harms
Jafar, Zain et al emphasize on the dual impact of social media on public health, emphasizing both its advantages and drawbacks. It notes the exponential growth of social media users worldwide, reaching over 4.26 billion by the end of 2021. The prevalence of social media has intersected with public health, serving as a powerful communication tool for health officials but also contributing to crises through misinformation and mental health erosion.
The benefits of social media in improving global health are highlighted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media became a significant source of public health information, influencing preventive behaviors. Studies demonstrate that social media enhances health literacy, raises awareness, and reaches a larger audience with timely information during health emergencies. Positive mental health benefits are associated with routine social media use, providing meaningful social interactions, supporting existing networks, and decreasing feelings of loneliness.
However, the research also delves into the unintended harms of social media. Misinformation spread through social media platforms has fueled vaccine hesitancy, leading to adverse public health outcomes. Attacks on scientists and healthcare providers on social media have become prevalent, undermining their authority and discouraging communication of crucial information. The negative impact on mental health, especially among young adults, is discussed, with studies linking social media use to sleep difficulties, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and lower life satisfaction.
The study attributes the roots of social media harms to algorithms and decisions made by social media companies. The engagement-focused algorithms, such as Facebook’s, contribute to polarization and the formation of echo chambers, exacerbating vaccine hesitancy. Social media’s addictive nature, driven by business models capitalizing on behavioral addictions, raises concerns about its impact on young users. The deliberate negligence of social media companies in addressing these harms, prioritizing engagement over public health, is critiqued.
The conclusion suggests strategies to promote the benefits and reduce the harms of social media, involving actions from social media companies, governments, users, and civil society. It acknowledges some steps taken by social media companies to mitigate harm but emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to disrupt algorithms and address issues like misinformation and addiction.
Impact of Celebrity Suicides on mental health of vulnerable population
Kumar, Santosh et al state suicide as a significant public health concern, with approximately 800,000 suicides occurring globally each year, predominantly in low- to middle-income countries. In India, the suicide rate surpasses the global average, and young individuals in the 15-29 age group are particularly vulnerable. The Werther effect, also known as copycat suicide, often influences vulnerable demographics, with nearly 5% of consecutive suicides occurring after a celebrity’s death.
The influence of celebrities, especially on the adolescent cohort, is emphasized, pointing out that while positive role models can be beneficial, negative behaviors exhibited by celebrities, such as alcohol or drug use, may adversely impact young minds. Social media plays a crucial role in disseminating celebrity suicide news, and the sensationalized reporting and graphic details may accelerate suicidal tendencies among users. The article notes that a significant percentage of media reports in India violate recommended guidelines for responsible reporting on suicide.
In response to the recent celebrity suicides in India, the article calls for early intervention involving all stakeholders in prevention efforts. They emphasize the need for a policy intervention that focuses on both the general population and iconic personalities. Suggestions include media checks to control negative news, improving accessibility to mental health services, conducting capacity-building workshops for media professionals, and training key personnel to recognize suicide risk factors. Postvention activities organized by government, schools, families, and others are proposed to engage the thoughts of youths positively.
The conclusion emphasizes the impact of celebrity suicides on the general population and calls for government actions across health and social domains to facilitate suicide prevention, considering the current mental state of people in India.
Physical Health, Media Use, Stress, and Mental Health in Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Eleftheriades, Makarios et al emphasize on the psychological and behavioral impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Greece during the first national lockdown. The study, conducted through a cross-sectional, anonymous survey, gathered data from two fetal medicine clinics in major urban centers during April and May 2020. The survey included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, general health, obstetric data, and COVID-19-related worries and life changes.
Key findings include:
- Over one-third of pregnant women found COVID-19 restrictions stressful, with their highest worry being isolation from their baby.
- The mean perceived stress score suggested moderate stress, and the strongest predictors were physical and mental health status before COVID-19 and experiencing a stressful life event during pregnancy.
- Compared to three months before the pandemic, pregnant women reported higher scores on mood symptoms, increased TV use, and social media use in the last two weeks before the survey.
- Concerns about COVID-19, mental health status, and experiencing a stressful life event were significant predictors of increased depression symptoms.
- The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had a negative impact on pregnant women’s well-being and functioning.
The study sheds light on the unique challenges faced by pregnant women during the pandemic, including elevated stress levels, changes in mood symptoms, and shifts in lifestyle behaviors. The findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health and providing adequate support for pregnant women during public health crises.
Is health literacy associated with mental health literacy? Findings from Mental Health Literacy Scale
Lee, Hee Yun Hwang et al emphasize on the factors associated with Mental Health Literacy (MHL) among Minnesotans using the Mental Health Literacy Scale and Andersen’s Health Behavior Model. The cross-sectional survey includes 732 participants, and key findings include:
- Participants with higher education levels showed greater MHL than those with less education.
- Non-Latino Whites had higher MHL levels compared to other racial groups.
- Engagement in social groups was associated with higher MHL levels.
- Health literacy had the most substantial relationship with MHL.
Practice Implications:
- Interventions to improve health literacy can be beneficial in increasing MHL.
- Implementation of various programs, including social programs targeting those with less social group interaction, is recommended.
MHL Definition: MHL is defined as “knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders aiding their recognition, management, or prevention.” Components include recognizing disorders, knowledge about risk factors, beliefs about interventions, awareness of professional help, attitudes facilitating help-seeking, and knowledge of seeking mental health information.
Existing Challenges: Numerous studies show low MHL levels across diverse populations. Factors affecting MHL, such as age, gender, and education, have been explored. Younger individuals, females, and those with higher education tend to have better MHL.
Andersen’s Behavioral Model (ABM): The study applies ABM to identify factors predicting MHL. Predisposing factors include demographic and social structure, enabling factors involve assistance levels, and need factors are motivations for medical care.
Objective of the Study: The study aims to assess factors associated with MHL using ABM, focusing on enabling factors, and informing interventions for the high-prevalence mental health issues faced by Minnesotans.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey with 732 participants at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair collected data. The Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and ABM guided the research. Predictor variables included predisposing, enabling, and need factors.
Results:
- Health literacy was the strongest predictor of MHL.
- Social support and social group participation positively influenced MHL.
- Non-Latino Whites had higher MHL.
- Age and gender were not significant predictors of MHL.
- Need factors did not significantly predict MHL.
Discussion: Enabling factors, particularly health literacy, social support, and social participation, were closely associated with MHL. Education, specifically having a bachelor’s degree, was linked to greater MHL. Non-Latino Whites exhibited higher MHL. Age and gender were not significant predictors, highlighting the multidimensional nature of MHL.
Practice Implications: Improving health literacy can enhance MHL. Social programs targeting those with less social interaction are recommended. Mental health practitioners should adopt a multidimensional approach in patient assessments.
Limitations and Future Research: The study’s convenience sampling might limit generalizability. Future research should validate findings with diverse samples and explore the direction of the relationship between health literacy and MHL. The study emphasizes the importance of assessing mental health beyond current health status.
Conclusion: To conclude we can say that social media platforms play a very significant role in todays life. They affect every age group of society. While there are many advantages of it there are disadvantages also. They also increase the risk of depression,anxiety,loneliness and even suicidal thoughts. Excess use of social media may result in disrupted sleep as well. So if used in limit can be useful but excess use can be disastrous.
Reference
Xu Jiaqing, Mumtaz Aini Alivi, Siti Ezaleila Mustafa, & Nasrullah Dharejo. (2023). The Impact of Social Media on Women’s Body Image Perception: A Meta-Analysis of Well-being Outcomes. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 17(20),
Top of Form
Top of Form
Top of Form
Top of Form