Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Author Name : Roshani Budha, Mr. Shiv Shankar Tiwari, Mr. Gopal, Mrs. Ishani Debnath, Priyanka Kaur

ABSTRACT Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become integral to modern life, offering new forms of social interaction and content sharing. However, increasing evidence suggests that excessive social media use may contribute to negative mental health outcomes, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This paper explores the dual impact of social media on mental health, examining both the benefits and the potential harms. Moreover, social media can enhance connectivity, entertainment and provide emotional support to people, it is also associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and sleep disruption. The paper investigates mechanisms such as social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), unrealistic expectations and disrupted sleep patterns as key contributors to social media-induced psychological distress. Vulnerable populations, including adolescents and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, are identified as particularly at risk. Recommendations for healthier social media usage are discussed, including screen time management and education about responsible online behaviour. Future research should focus on tailored interventions to mitigate these harmful effects and foster healthier engagement with social media platforms.