Social Media and Mental Health: Depression and Psychological Effects

Abstract

Social media has firmly entrenched itself in societal dynamics, as a vast majority of individuals devote
numerous hours daily to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. While social media provides avenues for connection, entertainment, and information, an increasing body of research indicates that its usage can negatively impact mental health. This research paper seeks to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health among young adults. Current studies suggest a correlation between increased social media engagement and compromised mental well-being. Unfortunately, young adults, who are the most prolific users of social media, are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges, heightening the significance of this association. However, the nature of the link between social media and mental health remains unclear. Through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), findings are compiled to evaluate the impact of social media use on depression and other psychological effects in adolescents. A comprehensive search across various databases yielded 20 studies for consideration, with the majority
utilizing a cross-sectional approach. Significant considerations arise due to methodological limitations associated with cross-sectional design, sampling methodologies, and measurement tools. Nevertheless, recommendations are provided for individuals, social networking sites, and society as a whole aiming to engage with social media in a manner conducive to psychological well-being.