Influence of Social Media addiction to Students’ Mental Health

INTRODUCTION

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and for many people, it is a way to
connect with friends and family, stay informed about current events, and express themselves.
However, for some people, social media use can become addictive, and this can have a negative
impact on mental health.

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful communication tool that
profoundly impacts the lives of individuals, particularly students who are highly engaged in the
online environment. While social media offers numerous benefits, such as enhancing
connectivity and facilitating information dissemination, it also brings about a set of concerns,
one of the most significant being its potential to lead to addiction. Social media addiction is a
growing concern among students, as it may have adverse effects on their mental health and
overall well-being.

This research aims to explore and examine the influence of social media addiction on the
mental health of students. We will investigate the various ways in which excessive social media
usage may affect students' psychological well-being, emotional stability, and academic
performance. By analyzing existing literature, conducting surveys, and collecting data from
diverse sources, this study seeks to shed light on the intricate relationship between social media
addiction and students' mental health.

The prevalence of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat,
and others has significantly increased in recent years. Students, in particular, are among the most
active users of these platforms, as they often utilize social media for various purposes, such as
social interactions, entertainment, and academic pursuits. However, the omnipresence of social
media and the growing accessibility to smartphones have also contributed to addictive usage
patterns.
 Reference studies have raised concerns about the potential negative consequences of
excessive social media engagement on mental health. Social media addiction has been linked to a
range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem, and
decreased life satisfaction. Additionally, studies have shown that prolonged social media use can
lead to disrupted sleep patterns, increased stress levels, and decreased academic performance
among students.

One of the underlying reasons behind the negative impact of social media addiction on
mental health is the phenomenon of social comparison. Students are exposed to a constant stream
of curated content, leading them to compare their lives, achievements, and appearance with
others. This comparison can result in feelings of inadequacy and exacerbate existing mental
health challenges. Furthermore, the constant notifications, likes, and comments on social media
platforms can trigger a feedback loop that reinforces addictive behaviors. The fear of missing out
(FOMO) also plays a significant role in perpetuating social media addiction, as students feel
compelled to stay connected to avoid being left out of social circles or events.

To address these concerns, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship

between social media addiction and students' mental health. By identifying the factors
contributing to addiction and the associated mental health impacts, this research aims to provide
insights that can inform interventions, educational programs, and policies aimed at promoting
healthier social media habits and safeguarding students' mental well-being.

There is a growing body of research that suggests that social media addiction can lead to
a number of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. For
example, a study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
found that college students who were addicted to social media were more likely to experience
symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, and its use is especially
prevalent among students. In fact, a recent study found that 95% of college students use social
media on a daily basis. While social media can be a valuable tool for communication and
connection, it can also have a negative impact on mental health, especially for those who are
addicted to it.

There are a number of reasons why social media addiction can be harmful to mental
health. One reason is that social media can lead to social comparison. When we see other
people's carefully curated posts about their lives, it can make us feel like we are not good
enough. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Another reason why social media addiction can be harmful to mental health is that it can
disrupt sleep. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with the production of melatonin,
a hormone that helps us sleep. This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can worsen symptoms of
anxiety and depression.

Finally, social media addiction can lead to a lack of focus and concentration. When we
are constantly checking our social media feeds, it can be difficult to focus on other tasks, such as
schoolwork or work. This can lead to academic problems and stress.

The research suggests that social media addiction can have a negative impact on mental
health. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be addicted to social media,
there are a number of things you can do. First, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
They can help you assess your social media use and develop a plan to reduce it. You can also try
to limit your social media use by setting limits on how much time you spend on it each day.
Finally, you can try to find other activities that you enjoy and that do not involve social media.
References
 Aalbers, S., et al. (2018). Social media addiction and its relationship with psychological
distress in adolescents. Journal of Affective Disorders, 233, 37-44.
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young adults: The mediating role of self-esteem. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and
Social Networking, 21(2), 113-118.
 Saputri, I. T., et al. (2023). Social media addiction and its relationship with mental health
among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry,
23(1), 31.
 Turel, O., & Qayyum, A. (2017). The impact of social media addiction on mental health:
A systematic review. Computers in Human Behavior, 76, 89-99.

 Kircaburun, K., Griffiths, M. D., & Billieux, J. (2020). Trait emotional intelligence and
problematic social media use among adults: The mediating role of positive and
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 Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., ... &
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Vannucci,
 A., Flannery, K. M., & Ohannessian, C. M. (2017). Social media use and anxiety in
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Personality and Individual Differences, 119, 13-17.

Objectives:
This study specifically aims to identify the influence of social media addiction to student's
mental health. It aims to determine the negative effects of social media addiction to the mental
health of students and to evaluate the relationships between social media addiction and student's
mental health.

Social Media Addiction Student’s Mental

Health

Statement of the Problem

1) How does excessive social media usage impact the mental health and emotional
well-being of students, and what are the specific psychological challenges they
face as a result?
2) How does student’s mental health affect their level of performance?
3) How does excessive social media usage impact the mental health of students?

Hypothesis

Ho1: The social media addiction has no significance relationship to student’s mental health.
Ho2: The social media addiction has a significance relationship to student’s mental health.