Unveiling the Influence of Social Media on Mental Well-being

By

Atofolaki comfort I. D/22/mac/0072

Department of Mass Communication

The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State

Social media, a versatile tool catering to communication, entertainment, and occupation, has penetrated various aspects of our lives. The escalating use of social media has repercussions on individuals, affecting their financial, behavioral, and mental health. As the prevalence of social media continues to grow, exploring its impact on mental health becomes increasingly pertinent.

Research Focus on Social Media
While numerous studies delve into the relationship between social media and mental health, limitations persist, particularly in the age groups studied. This study bridges this gap by comparing the impact on the Millennial generation (1981-1995) and Generation Z (1996-2012) across key mental health indicators—depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem.

Mental Health Overview
Depression, characterized by persistent low mood or loss of interest, varies in intensity and can manifest through symptoms like fatigue, anger, and even suicidal thoughts. Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry that impedes daily activities, with symptoms including increased heart rate and hyperventilation. Stress, a common emotional or physical tension, arises from various events or thoughts.

Social Media Evolution
Social media, a dynamic and expanding phenomenon, serves as a facilitator for social interaction. With its ever-growing user base, the impact on mental health is garnering increased attention. Studies indicate a correlation between higher levels of depression and anxiety and increased social media usage, particularly among those utilizing multiple platforms.

Age and Self-Esteem Connection
Research highlights the association between social media use, narcissism, and self-esteem, with younger adults reporting higher addictive social media use. Interestingly, video-based and professional platforms correlate with increased well-being, while image and text-based platforms show different effects.

Platform-Specific Impact
Examining popular platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, this study aims to discern their unique influences. Facebook’s impact on depression, anxiety, and stress has been studied, revealing insights into self-esteem and social comparison. Twitter, while less researched, shows associations with depression and anxiety among German students.

This study contributes to the evolving understanding of the impact of social media on mental health across generations. The findings suggest that Generation Z participants exhibit anticipated effects on mental health due to social media usage, offering valuable insights into age-specific influences.

This article strives to elucidate the intricate relationship between social media and mental well-being, providing a nuanced perspective on its diverse impacts across different age groups.