Social Media Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Authors

• Fazida Karim
• Azeezat A. Oyewande
• Lamis F. Abdalla
• Reem Chaudhry Ehsanullah
• Safeera Khan

Institutions

• California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, USA
• University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia
• Lagos State Health Service Commission, Nigeria

Abstract

• Social media exacerbates mental health issues.
• Study summarizes effects of social network use on mental health.
• 50 papers shortlisted; 16 evaluated for quality.
• Research types: cross-sectional, longitudinal, qualitative, systematic reviews.
• Main mental health outcomes: anxiety and depression.
• Findings indicate the need for further qualitative research.

Introduction

• Human beings are inherently social, requiring connection for well-being.
• Lack of social connection can lead to mental health risks.
• Social media is integral to daily life with a massive global user base.
• Research shows gender may influence mental health effects from social media.

Impact on Mental Health

Definitions

• Mental health: well-being, problem-solving, productivity, community contribution.
• Varied opinions on social media's impact.

Theories

• Displaced Behavior Theory: Sedentary social media use reduces face-to-face interaction, protective against mental disorders.

Research Results

• Prolonged social media use linked to depression, anxiety, and stress.
• Pressure to conform and be popular on social media.

Need for Systematic Review

• Aim: Fill gaps in literature connecting social media and mental health.
• Importance: Guides future research on mental health strategies.

Review Strategy

• Google Scholar used to identify studies.
• Keywords: Social media, mental health, etc.
• 50 articles selected, reduced to 28 after criteria.

Results

• Focus: adults, gender, preadolescents.
• Study types: qualitative, quantitative, systematic reviews, thematic analysis.
• Notable studies found varied effects on mental health, depending on method and focus.

Key Findings

• Time spent and type of social media activity affect mental health.
• Females more likely to be addicted to social media.
• Passive use (reading) linked to depression more than active use (posting).
• Other factors like interpersonal trust and family function influence depression more than use frequency.

Discussion

• General link found between social media use and mental health issues.
• No consistent relationship between time spent and mental health outcomes.
• Anxiety and depression most studied outcomes.
• Social media influences on depression include peer pressure, image management.

Limitations and Suggestions

• Most studies were cross-sectional, limiting causality conclusions.
• Only three longitudinal studies.
• Need for investigations on mediating factors.

Conclusions

• Social media use is connected to mental health, but extent and nature are unclear.
• Findings important for future research and practical application in mental health strategies.

Additional Information

Disclosures

• No financial conflicts of interest reported by authors.

References

• Extensive list of references, indicating broad research base.