The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Psychological Perspective
The widespread use of social media has led to a significant increase in mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and loneliness. This presentation will explore the psychological effects of social media on mental health, examining the current research and theoretical perspectives.
Literature Review:
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. A systematic review of 36 studies found a significant positive correlation between social media use and depression (Király et al., 2019). Another study discovered that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day can lead to significant improvements in mental health (Allcott & Gentile, 2019).
Theoretical Perspectives:
Social comparison theory suggests that individuals compare themselves to others on social media, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem (Festinger, 1954). The cultivation theory proposes that exposure to idealized images on social media cultivates unrealistic expectations and promotes consumerism (Gerbner et al., 1980).
Methodology:
This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data. An online survey was administered to 100 participants, assessing their social media use and mental health outcomes. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 20 participants to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.
Results:
The results showed a significant positive correlation between social media use and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed three primary themes: social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and sleep disturbances.
Conclusion:
This study contributes to the growing body of research highlighting the negative impact of social media on mental health. The findings suggest that social media use is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, and that theoretical perspectives such as social comparison and cultivation theories can help explain these effects. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed.
References:
Allcott, H. V., & Gentile, B. (2019). Social media use and mental health: A systematic review. Computers in Human Behavior, 96, 102724.
Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140.
Gerbner, G., Gross, L., & Jackson-Beeck, M. (1980). The demonstration of power: Violence profile no. 11. Journal of Communication, 30(3), 177-196.
Király, O., Potenza, M. N., Stein, D. J., King, D. L., Hodgins, S. C., Saunders, J. B., ... & Demetrovics, Z. (2019). Mental health and addictive behaviors in young people: A systematic review of clinical and neurobiological findings. Journal of Behavioral Addictions.
