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Research Review Rushzell

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82 views

Research Review Rushzell

reading and writing

Uploaded by

arushzelljae
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Well-being of the

Youth:
A Literature Review

I. Introduction:

Teenagers now have unprecedented access to digital content via a


variety of gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop
computers, and gaming systems. Today's media landscape is more
expansive and diverse than ever before. Social media is a key
component of this ecosystem. Social media, in its broadest meaning,
refers to any digital application or software that allows users to engage
in social interaction. Recent research on the relationship between
online communities and depression has found a common connection
between the use of social networks by adolescents and depression,
though there are some places where these findings are contradictory
(like the relationship between screen time and mental health issues)
and the quality of the evidence is not of great importance.

The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between social


media use and mental health in the young adult population. Current
research indicates that there is a connection between increased social
media use and deteriorated mental health. Unfortunately, young
adults, the most active social media users, have a predominantly high
risk for developing mental health issues, making this connection
particularly concerning. At present, it is unclear how social media and
mental health are connected; therefore this thesis explores the
individual and social theories that may give reason for this connection.
Theories that are discussed include: the impact of sedentary behaviors
on mental health, displaced behavior, sleep interruption due to blue
light exposure, social media's effects on romantic relationships, and
social media's effects on platonic relationships.

II. Body

The Negative and Positive Effects of Using Social Media

The use of social media and depression in teens are "generally


correlated"; however, there have been inconsistent results in certain
areas (such as the relationship between time spent on social media and
mental health issues), and the quality of the data is generally low.
Using social media may increase the risk of self-harm, loneliness, and a
decrease in empathy, based on particular studies.
Other research either showed no harm or suggested that certain
people may benefit from using social media. Social media increasingly
has taken a key place in young people's lives due to the rapid evolution
of the technology landscape in recent years. Both huge new obstacles
and fascinating new opportunities have been brought forth by social
media. Research is starting to show how particular social media
interactions may affect young people's mental health. On social media,
adolescents may communicate with others, publish, like, and share.
These are generally considered to be active users. However,
adolescents can also utilise social media passively by lurking and
viewing solely the content of others. The binary distinction between
active and passive usage does not reveal whether a certain behaviour
is goal-directed or suggestive of procrastination. For instance,
procrastination may be characterised as conversing with others while
delaying work on a more vital activity. Keeping up with friends' lives
might be the purpose of seeing other people's content rather than

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participating with others. The social or nonsocial nature of the usage is
a crucial distinction between different kinds. There are considerable
hurdles in comprehending and measuring these many digital
technology applications. Philosophically and empirically combining all
digital acts into a single predictor of pleasure would always reduce
accuracy.

Risks of using social media in young adults

Peer experiences have a significant influence on the development and


persistence of psychopathology in adolescents. In the realm of social
media, peer relationships can be more frequent, intense, and quick.
Previous research has highlighted a number of specific online peer
interactions as possible mental health risk factors. Cyber victimisation,
or being the subject of online bullying, is frequently associated with
increased rates of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other internalising
and externalising problems.

III. Conclusion

Technology in the digital age does not "happen" to people instead,


people use technology effectively. According to studies, utilising digital
technology won't harm the average teen, but that doesn't mean there
aren't circumstances with negative and serious consequences. In this
study, we found that in-depth research on social media usage found a
link to adolescent depression. Most research is cross-sectional; hence
longitudinal studies are needed. Social media is entrenched in young
people's social and personal lives. Professional organisations advise

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parents, educators, and institutions based on inadequate and
inconsistent information about youth and digital technology. Policies
limiting teens' access to new technologies can be futile if these tools are
essential to stimulate social contact or develop digital and relational
(digitally mediated) skills for emerging economies. In terms of health,
reaching young people during crises and when help is needed is most
important. Access to a variety of friendships and services may boost
teen well-being.

IV. References:

1. Gupta, Chirag, et al. "Reviewing the impact of social media on the


mental health of adolescents and young adults." Cureus 14.10 (2022).
2. Strickland, Amelia. "Exploring the effects of social media use on the
mental health of young adults." (2014).
3. Hayes, Abigail Marie. "The Emotional, Mental, And Spiritual Well-Being
of Gen Z: Perceived Social Media Messages." (2021).

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