The flip side of social media: unveiling the effects of social media on mental health

Abstract

Mental health, commonly known as behavioral health, is the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of an individual. It mostly affects a person’s ideas, emotions, behaviors, and relationships with other people. The idea that social media use and mental health are inextricably related appears to be the most intricate and varied. The effect of social media on mental health is a complicated topic with many moving parts. According to a countrywide survey carried out in India, as of 2023, approximately 67.5% of adults in the country utilize at least one social networking site; this percentage may be steadily increasing over time. Despite its numerous benefits, social media has also been connected to problems in society and poor mental health outcomes. People need to be aware of the potential risks of social media like disinformation, addiction, cyberbullying, data security and privacy concerns, and its possible effects on mental health. This review offers a thorough analysis of social media’s effects on mental health, and it demonstrates how crucial it is to develop a thoughtful and balanced relationship with our digital life to ensure that the advantages of connection do not come at the expense of our mental health.