Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health within Adolescent and Student Populations during COVID-19 Pandemic: Review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our lives. By increased screen time during the pandemic, social media (SM) could have significantly impacted adolescents’ and students’ mental health (MH). This literature review aims to synthesize the research on the impact of SM usage on MH of adolescents and students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A review of the published literature was conducted in April 2021, through a search of PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection databases. The search yielded 1136 records, with 13 articles selected for this review. Most of the included studies observed the negative impact of SM use on MH of adolescents and students, most noticeably observed were anxiety, depression and stress. More active and prolonged SM usage was associated with a negative impact on MH of adolescents and students. Two studies recorded some potentially positive effects, such as support in coping and providing a sense of connection for those who were isolated due to social distancing measures. Since this review focuses on the early period of the pandemic, future studies should investigate the long-term impact of SM use on adolescents and students MH, with all relevant elements that can enable adequate public health response.

Population Salutogenesis—The Future of Psychiatry?

“…Research suggests that excessive social media use is associated with heightened rates of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, particularly among younger individuals. 6 Many groups, such as individuals experiencing homelessness, those with chronic illnesses, or those experiencing systemic bias and discrimination (such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and racial and ethnic minority communities) face greatly amplified risks for mental health disorders. Their daily struggles, marked by socioeconomic barriers, stigmatization, and in many cases, physical challenges, often impact mental health, leading to exacerbated or prolonged mental illnesses.…”

“…Notably, while social media platforms enable connections, they have also been linked with increased self-reported depressive symptoms. Research suggests that excessive social media use is associated with heightened rates of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, particularly among younger individuals …”

Adolescents' mental health in the social‐media era: The role of offline and online need‐based experiences

“…Moreover, adolescents report that social media helped them to cope with the negative impact of the pandemic and restrictions by satisfying their need for connection, entertainment, and learning information (Keles et al, 2023). A review study, however, highlighted mixed results with some studies showing a positive link between SMU and mental health during the pandemic, but others demonstrating that prolonged SMU during the pandemic was associated with more symptoms of anxiety and depression (Draženović et al, 2023).…”

Acute Stress Disorders Among Jordanian Adolescents After Watching Gaza News Footage on Social Media

“…10,11 While technology has undoubtedly revolutionized communication and access to information, the rise of social media has brought about a host of negative psychological effects. [12][13][14] Constant exposure to curated images, cyberbullying, and the pressure to portray an idealized version of oneself have contributed to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among users. [12][13][14] The addictive nature of social media also leads to decreased real-life social interactions and feelings of isolation.…”

“…[12][13][14] Constant exposure to curated images, cyberbullying, and the pressure to portray an idealized version of oneself have contributed to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among users. [12][13][14] The addictive nature of social media also leads to decreased real-life social interactions and feelings of isolation.…”