Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Usage and Mental Health Indicators: A Survey-Based Analysis

Abstract

The high rate of growth of social media has changed the communication trends leading to concerns of its effects on the mental health and wellbeing. In this study, the association between the use of social media and self-reported mental health indicators was examined using a survey-based, cross-sectional study design. A structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data of 120 respondents, which included time-related and behavioral details of social media use, such as binge consumption, time loss, and night-time use. Oral self-reported measures were used to measure mental health indicators including anxiety, stress, mood disturbances, sleep quality and social comparison tendencies. Descriptive analysis showed moderate results of social media use and significant differences in behavioral patterns of use. Correlation analysis revealed that there were significant correlations between intensive social media use and higher levels of anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances. Binge-watching and time loss were positively correlated with mood-related issues, whereas social comparison showed significant correlations with anxiety and emotional distress. In addition, night-time use was also associated with poorer sleep quality. The results affirm that there is a significant association between mental health indicators as reported by themselves and the use of social media. The research is not causal, yet it gives the importance of the learning of behavioral patterns of digital use. The findings can be contributed to the existing literature since they provide evidence-based on surveys and emphasize the significance of being cautious and balanced when using social media to facilitate psychological wellbeing.