Online Worlds, Offline Effects: Social Media and Psychological Well-being among Adolescents

Description

Page: 424-426

Vikas Dhanda and D.S. Saini (Department of Psychology, Om Sterling Global University, Hisar, Haryana)

The rapid rise of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, has revolutionized communication, especially among adolescents, who spend significant time engaging with these platforms. While social media can foster social interaction and community building, concerns have emerged regarding its impact on the mental health and psychological well-being of young users. This study investigates the relationship between social media usage and mental health and psychological well-being of adolescents using a sample of 400 students of government schools in the Hisar district. The study collects quantitative data through standardized tests assessing social media usage patterns, engagement with content, and self-reported measures of psychological well-being, including self-esteem, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The findings reveal significant negative correlations between social media usage and psychological well-being, suggesting that increased social media usage is associated with poorer mental health. Specifically, the study indicates that higher social media engagement correlates with a decline in key psychological aspects such as autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, and positive relationships, which are crucial for a sustainable organization. In conclusion, the research indicates the need for interventions and strategies to mitigate these negative impacts and promote healthier online engagement among adolescents.