Abstract

The relationship between social media use and mental health has garnered significant attention due to the widespread popularity and impact of social media platforms. Understanding the association between social media and mental health outcomes is essential for informing interventions and promoting well-being in the digital age. Materials and Methodology: A comprehensive review of existing research literature was conducted to examine the association between social media and mental health. Studies investigating various mental health outcomes, such as subjective well-being, depression, anxiety, were included. Factors such as social media use patterns, individual characteristics, and underlying mechanisms were explored. Results: The present study was conducted in 107 randomly selected individuals. It revealed mixed findings regarding the association between social media use and mental health. While some studies indicated negative associations, suggesting that excessive or problematic social media use was linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, other studies reported no significant effects or even positive associations between social media use and mental health outcomes. Longitudinal research highlighted the bidirectional nature of the relationship, indicating that social media use can both influence and be influenced by mental health outcomes over time. These diverse findings underscore the complexity of the relationship between social media use and mental health, highlighting the need for further research to better comprehend the underlying mechanisms and potential moderators involved. By addressing these gaps, future studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of social media use on mental health outcomes. Conclusion: The association between social media use and mental health is complex and multifaceted. Factors such as the type and intensity of social media use, individual characteristics, social comparison processes, cyberbullying, and online social support may influence the relationship. Further research is needed to unravel the causal pathways, identify vulnerable populations, and develop targeted interventions to promote positive mental health in the context of social media use.

Description