ANALYZING THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

This research study aims to investigate the effects of social media addiction on mental health with an emphasis on psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem and validation or recognition by others. As social media platforms become increasingly integrated into daily life, concerns have emerged about their potential to contribute to compulsive usage patterns and associated mental health challenges.

Drawing on quantitative data, this research analyzes the correlation ship between excessive social media usage and indicators of psychological well-being among diverse demographic groups and individuals. The outcomes highlight a noteworthy correlation between social media addiction and adverse mental health and psychological outcomes, suggesting a need for public awareness, digital literacy and intervention strategies such as counselling and advocacy. According to recent research people spend 141 minutes that makes to 2.3 hours per day on social media.

The study findings reveal a significant positive correlation between the extent of social media addiction and elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Participants who reported frequent use particularly late at night also exhibited disrupted sleep cycles and increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many reported a compulsive need to check notifications, compare their lives to others, and gain online validation through likes, comments, and shares, which further exacerbated feelings of inadequacy and reduced self-worth. In qualitative interviews, themes of fear of missing out (FOMO) and unrealistic social comparisons emerged as recurring contributors to psychological distress.

This research highlights the intense impact that social media addiction can have on intellectual and psychological health and also emphasizes the urgent need for wide-ranging strategies to mitigate these effects. As digital technologies continue to advance, addressing their such psychological consequences will be critical to fostering healthier online behaviors in the digital age. However, by training people social media literacy, we can maximize their probabilities of having secure, safe, and meaningful experiences on these platforms which original is the purpose of social media.