Exploring the Relationship between Social Media Engagement and Adolescent Mental Health

Description

Page: 742-744

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 mental health. This study investigates the relationship between social media usage and mental health. Using a sample of 400 adolescents from various socio-economic backgrounds in 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 (both in terms of hours spent & years of engagement) and mental health, 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 overall psychological well-being. While some positive correlations between social media usage and physical health were found, these were more complex and require further exploration. In conclusion, the research underscores the detrimental effects of excessive social media usage on adolescent mental health, urging the need for interventions and strategies to mitigate these negative impacts and promote healthier online engagement among adolescents.