{"id":24564,"date":"2026-03-01T17:28:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T11:58:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/?p=24564"},"modified":"2026-03-01T17:28:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T11:58:58","slug":"impact-of-social-media-on-mental-health-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/?p=24564","title":{"rendered":"Impact of social media on mental health"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Author- Aditya Anant Kapse<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a00225017<\/span><\/p>\n

Literature Review:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1)<\/span><\/span>IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON UNDERGRADUATE MENTAL HEALTH IN MALAYSIA.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span><\/span>increasing<\/span><\/span>\u00a0use of social media among university students in Malayasia has raised concerns about its effect on their mental health. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can expose students to risks such as cyberbullying, privacy issues, and emotional stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Adeyanju<\/span><\/span>explains<\/span><\/span>\u00a0how social media usage affects students\u2019 mental wellbeing, including problems like stress, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Data samples was collected from using a questionnaire-based methodology from 182 respondents studying at TARUMT. Especially, while some platforms have less impacts, while others have significantly more impact on mental health of students\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Adeyanju<\/span><\/span>\u00a0focus on need for awareness and proper strategies to reduce negative effects and support students\u2019 mental wellbeing.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>[<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Adeyanju, G. C., Solfa, R. P., Tran, T. L., Wohlfarth, S., B\u00fcttner, J.,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Osobajo<\/span><\/span>, O. A., &\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Otitoju<\/span><\/span>, A. (2021<\/span><\/span>)]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2)<\/span><\/span>INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH IN TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Social media is widely used by college students, and it\u2019s affecting on their mental health\u00a0<\/span><\/span>an<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>wor<\/span><\/span>l<\/span><\/span>d academic performance is a major concern. Majority of students experience issue like stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and depression due tom excessive use of social platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Bahrami<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>explains<\/span><\/span>\u00a0how social media used for entertainment and education affects students\u2019 sleep cycle, mental wellbeing, and academic success, A survey using questionnaire was conducted among 160 students at TARUMT on their social media habits, mental health, and academic performance. The result show that social media use for entertainment or education does not directly impact on academic performance, but entertainment-related use is linked to higher anxiety levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Bahrami<\/span><\/span>\u00a0highlights the need to encourage balanced and healthy social media use among students to support their mental health and academic growth.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0[<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Bahrami, M., Emamjomeh, S., &\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Toghyani<\/span><\/span>, A. (2021)<\/span><\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3)<\/span><\/span>IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON YOUTH.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This research<\/span><\/span>\u00a0article<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Carville, O. (2022, November 30)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>shows how social media affects the mental health of youth aged 15-24 in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It studies the platforms like Facebook, X(Twitter), Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, which plays a crucial role in youth communication. The\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Carville<\/span><\/span>\u00a0focus on understanding how social media use is interconnected to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. By using qualitative studies like interviews and focus groups they get to know the real-life experiences of young people. The main objective is to identify key problems, suggest ways to promote healthier social media habits, and support better mental health. The findings are intended to help educators, parents, mental health\u00a0<\/span><\/span>professionals, and policymakers create best strategies and policies.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>[<\/span><\/span>Carville, O. (2022, November 30)<\/span><\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

4)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>SOCIAL MEDIA AND MENTAL HEALTH<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This research\u00a0<\/span><\/span>article\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Donati<\/span><\/span>\u00a0(2022)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0explores how social media, especially Facebook, affects the mental health of college students. Researchers used a natural experiment by studying the gradual introduction of Facebook across U.S. colleges. By comparing students before and after Facebook arrived on their campuses, they found a clear link between social media use and worsening mental health. Students reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression after gaining access to Facebook. Many also felt that their mental health struggles began to interfere with their academic performance.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Donati\u00a0<\/span><\/span>suggests that one major reason for this decline is social comparison. Seeing peers post happy moments, achievements, and social activities made students feel left out, less successful, and insecure. These feelings built up over time, increasing emotional distress. While social media helps people stay connected, this research highlights its hidden emotional costs. It reminds us to use social platforms mindfully and encourages educators and policymakers to promote healthier online habits among young people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

[<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Donati, Dante, Ruben Durante, Francesco Sobbrio, and Dijana Zejcirovic.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>(<\/span><\/span>2022<\/span><\/span>)<\/span><\/span>. \u201cLost in the Net? Broadband Internet and Youth Mental Health.\u201d Unpublished.<\/span><\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

5)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>PERCEIVED STRESS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AMONG MANAGEMENT STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: AN EMPHASIS ON FATALISTIC ATTITUDE AND MENTAL WELL-BEING<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This\u00a0<\/span><\/span>article Eden<\/span><\/span>\u00a0(2020)\u00a0<\/span><\/span>looks at how heavy use of social media affects the mental health and daily life of young people, especially college students. The researchers found that spending too much time on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok is strongly linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and lower emotional well-being. Many students reported feeling distracted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained because of constant notifications and the pressure to stay online.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>One<\/span><\/span>\u00a0major reason behind these effects is comparison. Seeing others share their \u201cperfect\u201d lives often makes students feel insecure, left out, or not good enough. Over time, this can lower self-esteem and increase emotional struggles. The\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Eden also<\/span><\/span>\u00a0shows that excessive social media use can affect concentration, academic performance, and overall life satisfaction. While social media helps people stay connected, this research reminds us that balance is essential. Using these platforms mindfully, setting time limits, and focusing on real-life connections can help protect mental health and improve overall well-<\/span><\/span>being.<\/span><\/span>[<\/span><\/span>Eden, A. L., Johnson, B. K., Reinecke, L., & Grady, S. M. (2020). Media for coping during COVID-19 social distancing: stress, anxiety, and psychological well Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(2), 102-106.<\/span><\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND EMERGING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Social media has transformed how adolescents connect, learn, and express themselves. It offers benefits such as stronger social connectedness, access to information, and opportunities for positive interaction. However, excessive or unhealthy use can negatively affect mental health. Studies<\/span><\/span>\u00a0of Primack BA<\/span><\/span>show that heavy social media use is linked to increased feelings of social isolation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor sleep, and higher stress levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Factors like boredom and loneliness often act as triggers, pushing young people toward problematic use.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Adolescents<\/span><\/span>\u00a0may compare themselves to unrealistic online portrayals, leading to body image concerns and fear of missing out (FOMO). The pressure to gain \u201clikes\u201d and approval can further affect self-worth. Exposure to misinformation, graphic content, or harmful online trends can also intensify distress. While social media can provide support and belonging, its misuse highlights the need for awareness, research, and educational programs. Training mental health professionals and creating clear guidelines can help promote safer, healthier digital habits among\u00a0<\/span><\/span>youth<\/span><\/span>[<\/span><\/span>Primack BA,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Shensa<\/span><\/span>\u00a0A,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Sidani<\/span><\/span>\u00a0JE, Whaite EO, Lin LY, Rosen D. Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. Am J Prev Med. 2017; 53: 1\u20138.<\/span><\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>COUNSEL<\/span><\/span>L<\/span><\/span>ORS<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PROVIDING CARE TO CLIENTS WHO SELF\u2010DIAGNOSE VIA THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA: A GROUNDED THEORY.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This study<\/span><\/span>\u00a0by\u00a0<\/span><\/span>M<\/span><\/span>. Vismara (2022)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0explores how mental health\u00a0<\/span><\/span>counsellors\u00a0<\/span><\/span>MHCs) work with clients who come to therapy after diagnosing themselves through the Internet and social media. With platforms like TikTok, Google, and online forums offering easy access to mental health information, more people\u2014especially adolescents and young adults\u2014are\u00a0<\/span><\/span>labelling<\/span><\/span>\u00a0their own symptoms before seeking professional help. While self-diagnosis can increase awareness and empower individuals, it can also lead to misinformation, symptom exaggeration, or misdiagnosis. Using a grounded theory approach, researchers interviewed 20 licensed<\/span><\/span>counsellors\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to understand their experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Researchers<\/span><\/span>developed a model showing that self-diagnosis often begins with a desire for belonging, identity, or validation, and is influenced by social media algorithms, peers, or past trauma. Whether individuals seek therapy depends on factors like stigma, accessibility, and personal beliefs about mental health.<\/span><\/span>Once in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>counselling<\/span><\/span>, the therapist\u2019s professional identity, ethical stance, and familiarity with social media shape the process. Effective approaches include building rapport, collaborating on diagnosis, using assessments, providing psychoeducation, and setting healthy boundaries with media use. Outcomes vary\u2014clients may feel relief if their diagnosis is clarified, or disappointment if it is not confirmed.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Overall, the<\/span><\/span>\u00a0study of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>M.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Vismara<\/span><\/span>\u00a0highlights the need for clearer ethical guidelines, updated training, and greater awareness of digital influences in modern mental health care.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>[<\/span><\/span>Ambrosini, F., R.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Truzoli<\/span><\/span>, M. Vismara, D. Vitella, and R.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Biolcati<\/span><\/span>. 2022. ” The Effect of Cyberchondria on Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life During COVID\u201019: The Mediational Role of Obsessive\u2010Compulsive Symptoms and Internet Addiction.”\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Heliyon<\/span><\/span>\u00a08, no.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>5 :<\/span><\/span>\u00a0e09437.<\/span><\/span>]\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

8)<\/span><\/span>DOES DIFFERENT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS LEAD TO DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, STRESS AND BIPOLAR DISORDER? A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS ON PRIVATE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The heavy use of social media among undergraduate students in Malaysia has raised concerns about its impact on mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Hirschfeld<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>examined how platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok affect students\u2019 emotional well-being, focusing on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Data was collected from 182 students at a private university using questionnaires, and statistical tools were applied to analyse the results. The findings showed that Facebook and YouTube had a strong negative impact on all mental health problems studied, while TikTok affected most issues except stress. Instagram\u00a0<\/span><\/span>mainly influenced anxiety levels. Overall, the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Hirschfeld<\/span><\/span>\u00a0suggests that excessive social media use is strongly linked to mental health problems, especially anxiety, highlighting the need for awareness and targeted support programs for students.<\/span><\/span>[<\/span><\/span>Hirschfeld, R. M. A. (2002). The Mood Disorder Questionnaire. The Primary Care Companion\u00a0<\/span><\/span>f<\/span><\/span>or CNS Disorders, 4(1)<\/span><\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

9)<\/span><\/span>SOCIAL JUSTICE.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In high school, Caroline Koziol was a competitive swimmer with big dreams. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, innocent searches for at-home workouts and healthy recipes on Instagram and TikTok slowly turned into a flood of extreme fitness and pro-anorexia content. What began as motivation to stay in shape became an obsession. The algorithms repeatedly showed her thinner bodies, restrictive diets, and harmful tips, deepening her eating disorder. By senior year, she was severely malnourished and eventually required inpatient treatment.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Now<\/span><\/span>\u00a021, Koziol is one of more than 1,800 plaintiffs suing companies like Meta and TikTok, arguing their addictive design and recommendation systems harmed young users. The\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Time In<\/span><\/span>ternational\u00a0<\/span><\/span>case, consolidated in federal court, claims these platforms prioritized growth over teen safety. Similar stories, including the tragic suicide of 15-year-old Gabby Cusato, highlight growing concerns about social media\u2019s mental-health impact. Plaintiffs hope the lawsuit will force accountability and stronger protections for young\u00a0<\/span><\/span>people.<\/span><\/span>[<\/span><\/span>Time International – South Pacific Edition, 7\/7\/2025,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Business Source Elite<\/span><\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

10)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>INSTAGRAM BOSS GRILLED AT TRIAL OVER PROFIT VERSUS YOUTH SAFETY.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam Mosseri testified in a landmark Los Angeles trial where a 20-year-old woman blames Instagram and YouTube for years of mental health struggles. The case is seen as a major test for thousands of similar lawsuits claiming social media platforms fuel addiction and harm teens.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>During questioning, Mosseri faced scrutiny over Instagram\u2019s image filters, which can alter users\u2019 appearances. Internal emails revealed executives debated banning certain filters over concerns about their impact on vulnerable teens, but worried it might hurt growth. Critics argue this shows profit was prioritized over safety. Mosseri responded that the company tried to target the most harmful filters, especially those promoting cosmetic surgery, while balancing user experience.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>He<\/span><\/span>\u00a0acknowledged \u201cproblematic use\u201d of social media but rejected the idea that Instagram is clinically addictive. The plaintiff\u2019s lawyer highlighted her extreme usage \u2014 over 16 hours in one day \u2014 as evidence of harm.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The trial, which also involves Meta and YouTube, could shape future regulations on teen safety online.<\/span><\/span>[<\/span><\/span>Bloomberg.com, 2\/12\/2026,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Business Source Elite<\/span><\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

11)\u00a0<\/span><\/span>CONCLUSION<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The reviewed literature clearly shows that excessive social media use has a significant negative impact on the mental health of undergraduate students and young people. Studies across Malaysia, South Africa, the United States, and during the COVID-19 pandemic consistently report increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, low self-esteem, and emotional distress among frequent users. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok are especially linked to mental health problems due to cyberbullying, social comparison, fear\u00a0<\/span><\/span>of missing out (FOMO), addictive algorithms, and exposure to unrealistic body images and harmful content. While social media offers benefits like connectivity, learning opportunities, and emotional support, its uncontrolled use often leads to psychological strain and academic difficulties. The findings also highlight concerns about self-diagnosis, misinformation, and algorithm-driven content that can worsen emotional problems.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Overall<\/span><\/span>, the literature emphasizes the urgent need for awareness programs, digital literacy, healthy usage habits, counse<\/span><\/span>l<\/span><\/span>ling support, and stronger policies to protect youth mental well-being and promote balanced social media engagement.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

12)\u00a0<\/span><\/span>REFERENCE<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Adeyanju, G. C., Solfa, R. P., Tran, T. L., Wohlfarth, S., B\u00fcttner, J.,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Osobajo<\/span><\/span>, O. A., &\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Otitoju<\/span><\/span>, A. (2021). Behavioural symptoms of mental health disorder such as depression among young people using Instagram: A systematic review.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Translational Medicine Communications, 6<\/span><\/span>(1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Bloomberg.com, 2\/12\/2026,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Business Source Elite<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Bahrami, M., Emamjomeh, S., &\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Toghyani<\/span><\/span>, A. (2021). The relationship between nursing students\u2019 quality of life with their academic achievement motivation in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 26<\/span><\/span>(4), 332.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Carville, O. (2022, November 30). TikTok\u2019s Viral Challenges Keep Luring Young Kids to Their Deaths. Bloomberg.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Donati, Dante, Ruben Durante, Francesco Sobbrio, and Dijana Zejcirovic.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>(<\/span><\/span>2022<\/span><\/span>)<\/span><\/span>. \u201cLost in the Net? Broadband Internet and Youth Mental Health.\u201d Unpublished.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Eden, A. L., Johnson, B. K., Reinecke, L., & Grady, S. M. (2020). Media for coping during COVID-19 social distancing: stress, anxiety, and psychological well Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(2), 102-106.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Primack BA,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Shensa<\/span><\/span>\u00a0A,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Sidani<\/span><\/span>\u00a0JE, Whaite EO, Lin LY, Rosen D. Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. Am J Prev Med. 2017; 53: 1\u20138.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ambrosini, F., R.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Truzoli<\/span><\/span>, M. Vismara, D. Vitella, and R.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Biolcati<\/span><\/span>. 2022. ” The Effect of Cyberchondria on Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life During COVID\u201019: The Mediational Role of Obsessive\u2010Compulsive Symptoms and Internet Addiction.”\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Heliyon<\/span><\/span>\u00a08, no.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>5 :<\/span><\/span>\u00a0e09437.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Hirschfeld, R. M. A. (2002). The Mood Disorder Questionnaire. The Primary Care Companion\u00a0<\/span><\/span>For<\/span><\/span>\u00a0CNS Disorders, 4(1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Time International – South Pacific Edition, 7\/7\/2025,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Business Source Elite<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Author- Aditya Anant Kapse \u00a00225017 Literature Review: 1)IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON UNDERGRADUATE MENTAL HEALTH IN MALAYSIA. The\u00a0increasing\u00a0use of social media among university students in Malayasia has raised concerns about its effect on their mental health. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can expose students to risks such as cyberbullying, privacy issues, and emotional… Continue reading Impact of social media on mental health<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140125,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24564","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/140125"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24564"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24564\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24565,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24564\/revisions\/24565"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}