Exploring the Impact of Social Media Consumption on the Youth and its

Influence on their Sexual Attitudes and Mental Health

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters in

Psychology Programme

Submitted by
Name: Lalduhawma

Roll No: 22/PSY/015

Semester: Fourth Semester

Under the supervision of

Dr. C. Zothanmawia

Department of Psychology
School of Social Sciences
Mizoram University, Tanhril,
Aizawl- 796004
2024
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CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the present research work titled, “Exploring the Impact of Social Media

Consumption on the Youth and its Influence on their Sexual Attitudes and Mental Health” is the

original research work carried out by Lalduhawma under my supervision. The work done is being

submitted for the award of the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology of Mizoram University.

This is to further certify that the research conducted by Lalduhawma has not been submitted

in support of an application to this or any other University or an Institute of Learning

(Dr. C.

Zothanmawia)

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Department of

Psychology

DECLARATION

I, Lalduhawma, affirm that the content of this dissertation is my original work. To the best of my

knowledge, it has not been utilized to obtain any previous degree by myself or by anyone else.

Additionally, this dissertation has not been submitted by me for any research degree at any other

university or institution.

This dissertation is submitted to Mizoram University in partial fulfilment of the

requirements for the Master of Arts in Psychology degree.

(LALDUHAWMA)

(Dr. C. Zothanmawia)

Supervisor

(Prof. Zoengpari)

Head

Dept. of Psychology

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. C. Zothanmawia, for

his unwavering patience, diligent supervision, and his support. It is only with his support and

guidance that I am able to complete this dissertation.

I also wish to extend my deepest thanks to Almighty God for being my refuge and strength

throughout the entire process of this dissertation.

My sincere appreciation goes to my family for their steadfast support and encouragement in all my

academic pursuits.

I sincerely thank the faculty at the Department of Psychology, Mizoram University, for their

invaluable support, encouragement, and feedback, which have been essential to my research. I am

also deeply grateful to all my friends, especially my group mates e who contributed to the

successful completion of this work. Your guidance has been instrumental in overcoming challenges

and achieving this milestone.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

Page no.

List of Tables vi

List of Appendices vii

Chapter-I: INTRODUCTION 1-22

Chapter-II: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 23-24

Chapter-III: METHODOLOGY 25-28

Chapter-IV: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 29-38

Chapter-V: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 39-43

References 44-49

Appendices 50-58

List of Tables

Page no.

Table 1: Descriptive Statistics 30

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Table 2: Reliability Statistics 31

Table 3a: T-test for gender (Significant analyses reported) 32

Table 3b: T-test for education (Significant analyses reported) 33

Table 4: Correlation 34

List of Appendices

Page No.

Appendix-i: SEXUAL ATTITUDE SCALE 50-54

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Appendix-ii: DASS-21 55-56

Appendix-iii: BERGEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE SCALE 57

Appendix-iv: CONSENT FORM 58

ABSTRACT

Social media and its rise have led to potential areas of research as each and every one is

affected by it. The research aimed to assess the level of relationship between these variables, and

hypothesised that there will be an impactful relationship between them. The sample included 300

college and university students studying inside Aizawl District, among the Male and Female

population. The result findings indicate that not much correlation was found between the variables

under study. Although there is correlation on some variables, the strength of the correlations was

quite low. Pearson correlation was conducted to analyse their relationship. Males were found to be

higher on Sexual Attitudes when compared to the females. However, on Social Media Usage, the

Female Population scored higher. These results do not necessarily represent the entire population

because in the case of Social Media Usage for example, only their usage was recorded and no

context as to the type of consumption was taken. So further research needs to be conducted as there

are certain limitations in this study.

Keywords: Mental health, Social Media Usage, Sexual, Relationships, Gender, depression, stress

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 CHAPTER I:

INTRODUCTION
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Human beings are social creatures. We need the companionship of others to thrive in life,

and the strength of our connections has a huge impact on our mental health and happiness. Being

socially connected to others can ease stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-worth, provide

comfort and joy, prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life. On the flip side, lacking strong

social connections can pose a serious risk to your mental and emotional health.

Media consumption or media diet is the sum of information and entertainment media taken

in by an individual or group. It includes conditioning similar as interacting with new media, reading

books and magazines, watching TV and film, and harkening to radio. An active media consumer

must have the capacity for dubitation, judgement, free thinking, questioning, and understanding.

Among other factors, a person's access to media technology affects the quantum and quality of his

or her input. In the United States, for case, "U.C. San Diego scientists in 2009 estimated the'

average' American consumes 34 gigabytes of media a day." The quantum of media consumption

among individualities is adding as new technologies are created.

In today’s world, many of us rely on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter,

Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram to find and connect with each other. While each has its benefits,

it’s important to remember that social media can never be a replacement for real-world human

connection. It requires in-person contact with others to trigger the hormones that alleviate stress

and make you feel happier, healthier, and more positive. Ironically for a technology that’s designed

to bring people closer together, spending too much time engaging with social media can actually

make you feel lonelier and more isolated—and exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety

and depression. In September 2021, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen had a lot to say about

Instagram and its adverse effects on adolescent girls. Haugen shared Facebook’s own internal

research with The Wall Street Journal and testified to Congress that Instagram use makes body
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image issues worse for 1 in 3 teen girls, among other findings. It’s important to note that Instagram

and other social media apps can be detrimental to boys, too. These negative effects, as highlighted

in this 2021 Forbes article, include:

• Body dissatisfaction, appearance anxiety, lower self-esteem and depression: A 2019 study

showed that the frequency of Instagram use is linked to these mental health issues.

• Internalized thin-ideal mindset and body surveillance: When young women follow

appearance-focused posts on Instagram, they’re more likely to experience a “drive for

thinness.” But following appearance-neutral accounts is not associated with any body image

outcomes, according to this study.

• Increased risk for eating disorders: In 2015 (7 years ago!), a review of a staggering 67

studies concluded that “The use of the Internet, and particularly appearance-focused social

media, is associated with heightened body image and eating concerns. Developmental

characteristics may make adolescents particularly vulnerable to these effects.” Today, the

research is even more conclusive.

• Increased desire for cosmetic surgery: Another 12-year-old study showed that social-

mediausing Dutch adolescents (boys and girls) between 11 and 18 years old expressed a

desire to alter their appearance through cosmetic surgery.

• More exposure to and engagement in self-harm behaviour among vulnerable kids: Research

suggests that self-harming youth are more active in online social networks than youth who

do not engage in self-harm behaviour. One review of nine studies found that social

networking sites are used by suicidal and self-harming youth as a place to communicate

with and seek support from other users. However, the research showed that “Greater time
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spent on social networking websites led to higher psychological distress, an unmet need for

mental health support, poor self-rated mental health, and increased suicidal ideation.”

Social media facilitates the sharing of ideas and information through virtual networks. From

Facebook and Instagram to X platform (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, social media covers a

broad universe of apps and platforms that allow users to share content, interact online, and build

communities. More than 4.7 billion people use social media, equal to roughly 60% of the world’s

population. Today, social media messaging apps and platforms are the most commonly used sites

worldwide. In early 2023, 94.8% of users accessed chat and messaging apps and websites, followed

closely by social platforms, at 94.6% of users. According to Global Web Index, 46% of internet

users worldwide get their news through social media platforms. That compares to 40% of users

who view news on websites. Gen Z and Millennials were most likely to view news on social media

sites versus other generations.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, social media is “Forms of electronic

communication (such as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users

create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such

as videos)”. The earliest forms of social media appeared almost as soon as technology could support

them. E-mail and chat programs debuted in the early 1970s, but persistent communities did not

surface until the creation of the discussion group network USENET in 1979. USENET allowed

users to post and receive messages within subject areas called newsgroups. USENET and other

discussion forums, such as privately hosted bulletin board systems (BBSs), enabled individuals to

interact, but each was essentially a closed system. With the release in 1993 of the Mosaic web

browsers, those systems were joined with an easy-to-use graphical interface. The architecture of

the World Wide Web made it possible to navigate from one site to another with a click, and faster
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Internet connections allowed for more multimedia content than could be found in the text-heavy

newsgroups.

According to a 2019 survey by Pew Research Centre, people's use of social media is

correlated with having more friends and more diverse personal networks, especially within

emerging economies. For 80% of teenagers, social media allows them to feel more connected to

peers, according to a 2022 Pew Research Centre survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17. Overall, one

in three said that social media has had a mostly positive effect on them, while 59% said it had

neither a positive nor a negative effect.

Facebook is the largest social media platform in the world with 2.96 billion users. Here are the

figures for the most popular social media websites as of January 2023:

1. Facebook (2.96 billion users)

2. YouTube (2.51 billion users)

3. WhatsApp (2 billion users)

4. Instagram (2 billion users)

5. WeChat (1.31 billion users)

6. TikTok (1.05 billion users)

7. Facebook Messenger (931 million users)

8. Douyin (715 million users)

9. Telegram (700 million users)

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10. Snapchat (635 million users)

Social media platforms allow people to access information in real-time, to connect, and to

find niche communities. It has helped many individuals find common ground with others online,

making the world seem more interconnected and within reach. On the other hand, social media is

prone to spreading disinformation, creating polarization, and even causing harmful psychological

effects.

There are many competing theories about how social media use might affect participation.

One theory focuses on social media as a forum for gathering information or news from family,

friends or traditional news media organizations (Dimitrova, Shehata, Strömbäck, & Nord, 2014;

Gil de Zúñiga, Copeland, & Bimber, 2013; Holt, Shehata, Stromback, & Ljungberg, 2013; Pasek,

more, & Romer, 2009; Towner, 2013). Pew Research suggests that approximately half of Facebook

users get their news through Facebook, but the overwhelming majority of Facebook users are

exposed to the news incidentally through social network ties on Facebook (deSilver, 2014).

Because of this incidental news exposure, social media users may be exposed to mobilizing

information without having to actively seek it out (Pasek et al., 2009; Tang & Lee, 2013; Xenos,

Vromen, & Loader, 2014). Furthermore, this type of news may be more influential on users,

because it has been filtered through trusted others, for example, family and friends (Bode, 2012).

Social media use is expected to develop citizens’ knowledge of political issues, which then

facilitates participation in civic and political life. The theory draws heavily from studies of

traditional media, which shows that those who use media to learn about current events are more

likely to be politically knowledgeable and engaged (McLeod et al., 1996; McLeod, Scheufele, &

Moy, 1999)

For statistical purposes, the United Nations defines ‘youth’ as persons aged between 15 and
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24. However, this definition is not universal. As the experience of being young can vary

substantially across the world, between countries and regions, we consider ‘youth’ as a flexible

category. As such, context is always an important guide in UNESCO’s definition of youth.

According to the World Youth Report (2020), there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24

years, accounting for 16 per cent of the global population.

Youth is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to

adulthood’s independence. The United Nations, for statistical purposes, defines ‘youth’, as those

persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, without prejudice to other definitions by Member

States.

A sexual relationship, also known as an intimate relationship, is characterized by physical

or emotional intimacy between two individuals. While intimacy is commonly linked with sexual

relationships, it can be of different kinds and manifest itself in relationships which have no sexual

attraction, i.e., friends and family.

According to a Study done in a Portuguese city, A questionnaire was distributed to

Portuguese students of Secondary and Higher Education, enrolled, respectively, at secondary

schools of the county of Leiria and at the Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, aged between 14 and 24

years. This was an individual, anonymous, confidential, and voluntary questionnaire, to be

completed in the classroom during approximately 20 minutes. The questionnaire was distributed

by teachers to groups of 20 to 30 students of secondary school and later collected, in sealed

envelopes, by healthcare professionals, responsible for the study. In the higher education cases, the

questionnaire was present on an online platform, equally guaranteeing anonymity and

confidentiality. Data were collected during the period between April and May 2013.
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Studies developed in several countries also revealed that adolescents and youth initiate their

sexual activity at earlier age. Approximately 40% of youth aged between 13 and 21 years are

sexually active. According to the report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 44.1%

of adolescent population stated being sexually active. In the same study, more than half of those

involved (58%) had already initiated their sexual activity, and the mean age at the first sexual

intercourse was 16.4 years.

In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgement of the important role mental

health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health

in the Sustainable Development Goals. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide

is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. People with severe mental health

conditions die prematurely – as much as two decades early – due to preventable physical conditions.

Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe

human rights violations, discrimination, and stigma. Many mental health conditions can be

effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet the gap between people needing care and those with

access to care remains substantial. Effective treatment coverage remains extremely low. Increased

investment is required on all fronts: for mental health awareness to increase understanding and

reduce stigma; for efforts to increase access to quality mental health care and effective treatments;

and for research to identify new treatments and improve existing treatments for all mental disorders.

In 2019, WHO launched the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (2019-2023): Universal

Health Coverage for Mental Health to ensure access to quality and affordable care for mental health

conditions in 12 priority countries to 100 million more people.

Men and women often have differing views around the expected norms for romantic

relationships, consent and sexual activity, and the messages and images they consume on social
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media may play a role in shaping those perceptions, according to a new study from the University

of Georgia.

Sexual activity and behaviours affect the daily lives of college students, many of whom are

living on their own for the first time. This freedom, coupled with the insulated nature of college

campuses, potentially could outsize the impact social media has on students’ beliefs and perceptions

of those behaviours.

Sexual socialization theory suggests that frequent exposure to consistent themes about

gender and sexual behaviour can affect a young person’s developing sense of what is expected

sexually for males and females and may affect subsequent behaviour as well. Although only

recently applied to sexual content (Aubrey, Harrison, Kramer, & Yellin, 2003), the cognitive

information-processing model helps explain how exposure to sexually explicit media may affect

young people’s attitudes and behaviour. Combining tenets of both social learning theory and script

theory, the model suggests that through observation of relevant and attractive models in both real

life and the media, people create and store “scripts” that guide social behaviour. Scripts include

information about what happens in the world, how people should behave in specific situations, and

the likely outcomes of behaviour (Huesmann, 1997). Firmly established scripts are most likely

enacted when opportunities arise.

A research team led by Adrienne Baldwin-White from the UGA School of Social Work

surveyed college students between the ages of 18 and 25, asking them a series of questions to better

understand the relationships between their use of different social media platforms and how that use

affected their understanding of healthy relationships. The research found that, across the board,

women had consistently healthier views around what is appropriate in a relationship. They were

less likely than men to believe using violence is acceptable and more likely to have a healthy
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perception of consent. The study also revealed that women were more likely to value or place

importance on their partner’s desire for sex. The female students also used social media more than

their male counterparts, spending more time across the various platforms, sharing and scrolling

through content. Because of this, women are more likely to see a diverse mix of images and

messages, which could influence perceptions about relationships. Though even positive images can

send mixed messages.

Other processes leading to attitude formation includes operant and classical conditioning,

as well as social learning theories (Fiske 2014). Social learning theory, in particular, has been used

specifically to explain how prior experience with media depictions of sexual behaviour—

learning—relates to both adolescents’ and emerging adults’ development of positive attitudes

toward risky sexual behaviour (Brown 2002; Brown et al. 2005; Chapin 2000). Briefly, the theory

predicts that media depictions of sexual encounters serve as models of attitudes and behaviours that

seem socially acceptable (endorsed by mass media) if not normative, promote imitation of the

models, and ultimately desensitize and disinhibit the audience, especially if negative outcomes of

the behaviour are rarely depicted (Bandura 1977). Other processes leading to attitude formation

includes operant and classical conditioning, as well as social learning theories (Fiske 2014). Social

learning theory, in particular, has been used specifically to explain how prior experience with media

depictions of sexual behaviour—learning—relates to both adolescents’ and emerging adults’

development of positive attitudes toward risky sexual behaviour (Brown 2002; Brown et al. 2005;

Chapin 2000). Briefly, the theory predicts that media depictions of sexual encounters serve as

models of attitudes and behaviours that seem socially acceptable (endorsed by mass media) if not

normative, promote imitation of the models, and ultimately desensitize and disinhibit the audience,

especially if negative outcomes of the behaviour are rarely depicted (Bandura 1977).
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Research done on, “Social media and mental health in students: a cross-sectional study

during the Covid-19 pandemic” by Abouzar Nazari, Maede Hosseinnia, Samaneh Torkian &

Gholamreza Garmaroudi showed results with a significant impact on the relationship between

social media and mental health. Their current cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 on 781

university students in Lorestan province, who were selected by the Convenience Sampling method.

The data was collected using a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, social media,

problematic use of social media, and mental health (DASS-21). Data were analysed in SPSS-26

software.

Their results show that marital status, major, and household income are significantly

associated with lower DASS21 scores (a lower DASS21 score means better mental health status).

Also, problematic use of social media was significantly associated with higher mental health scores

(a higher DASS21 score means worse mental health status). Income and social media use were

significantly associated with higher DASS21 scores (a higher DASS21 score means worse mental

health status). Major was significantly associated with lower DASS21 scores (a lower DASS21

score means better mental health status). This study indicated that social media had a direct

relationship with mental health.

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses

of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an

integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities

to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is more than

the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently

from one person to the next, with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very

different social and clinical outcomes.

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The term mental hygiene has a long history in the United States, having first been used by

William Sweetzer in 1843. After the Civil War, which increased concern about the effects of

unsanitary conditions, Dr. J. B. Gray, an eminent psychiatrist, envisioned a community-based

mental hygiene that would operate through education, social culture, religion and involvement in

national life. In 1893, Isaac Ray, a founder of the American Psychiatric Association, provided a

definition of the term mental hygiene as "the art of preserving the mind against all incidents and

influences calculated to deteriorate its qualities, impair its energies, or derange its movements. The

management of the bodily powers in regard to exercise, rest, food, clothing and climate, the laws

of breeding, the government of the passions, the sympathy with current emotions and opinions, the

discipline of the intellect—all these come within the province of mental hygiene." (Rossi, A., Some

Pre-World War II Antecedents of Community Mental Health Theory and Practice. Mental Hygiene,

1962, 46, 78-98).

The first International Congress on Mental Hygiene convened in 1933. Included in the

purpose statement there was the idea that it was necessary to determine "how best to care for and

treat the mentally sick, to prevent mental illness, and to conserve mental health" (in National

Committee for Mental Hygiene, The Mental Hygiene Movement).

The mental hygiene movement, as it was called, was criticized in some medical circles for

its lack of an objective scientific basis for its proposals and its "unscientific" focus on sociological

factors as being the key to the prevention of mental illness and preservation of health. The mental

hygiene movement was torn by differences between psychiatrists devoted to treating the mentally

ill through biological means and mental hygienists attempting to promote mental health by

changing societal institutions.

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By 1937, the US National Committee for Mental Hygiene stated that it sought to achieve

its purposes by: a) promoting early diagnosis and treatment; b) developing adequate

hospitalization; c) stimulating research; d) securing public understanding and support of psychiatric

and mental hygiene activities; e) instructing individuals and groups in the personal application of

mental hygiene principles; and f) cooperating with governmental and private agencies whose work

touches at any point the field of mental hygiene.

Thus, the mental hygiene movement had initially a para-psychiatric nature, directing its

efforts towards the improvement of psychiatric care. The inclusion of preventive activities among

its interests did not distinguish it from psychiatry: the movement aimed at maximizing what was

accepted and proposed by the most advanced psychiatrists of the epoch in the USA, most of whom

followed a psychoanalytical orientation.

In India, mental health disorders have a high prevalence, impacting a considerable

proportion of the population. Epidemiological studies report prevalence rates for psychiatric

disorders varying from 9.5 to 370 per 1000 people in India. This prevalence encompasses a broad

spectrum of mental health disorders, reflecting the diverse challenges individuals face in the

country. The prevalence rates of mental health disorders in India highlight the need for effective

interventions and support systems to address the mental well-being of the population. Conditions

such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders

are commonly observed mental health disorders in India. Mental illness carries a significant social

stigma in Indian society, leading to discrimination and social exclusion for individuals with mental

health problems. The stigma surrounding mental illness often stems from misconceptions, fear, and

a lack of awareness. This stigma creates barriers to seeking help and support, as individuals may

fear judgment, rejection, or negative consequences. Consequently, individuals may delay or avoid
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seeking treatment, resulting in inadequate or delayed care and further exacerbating their condition.

(Math SB, Srinivasaraju R. Indian J Psychiatry 2010)

Mental health problems substantially burden individuals and society as a whole in India.

Individuals with mental health disorders often experience a reduced quality of life, impaired

functioning in various domains (such as work, relationships, and education), and an increased risk

of suicide. Societally, mental health problems lead to significant productivity losses due to

absenteeism, decreased work performance, and disability. The economic impact includes increased

healthcare costs and decreased productivity, impeding social and economic development.

Additionally, mental health problems contribute to the overall burden on the healthcare system,

straining resources and diverting attention from other areas of healthcare. (Singh S, Roy D, Sinha

K, Parveen S, Sharma G, Joshi G. 2020)

LITERATURE REVIEW

Mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, are

common and debilitating conditions globally, affecting around a billion people in 2017. Depression

and anxiety-related disorders are the leading conditions. Mental health conditions have severe

adverse effects on individuals' ability to work, study, and be productive. Mental illness is the most

burdensome disease category for adults younger than 45, with depression being one of the most

taxing conditions. The rise in mental health issues among young adults coincides with the wider

adoption of social media, leading to hypotheses that the two phenomena might be related.
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Research done by Luca Braghieri, Ro’ee Levy, and Alexey Makarin (2021) provided a

quasi-experimental estimate of the impact of social media on mental health by leveraging a unique

natural experiment: the staggered introduction of Facebook across US colleges in the mid-2000s.

According to the student’s report, Facebook does have a negative impact on their academic

performance. However, direct effects on grades are not specifically studied. Disruptive use of social

media or internet and its negative effect on mental health, however, was not found to have a

significant result. But the results are consistent with the hypothesis that social media might be partly

responsible for the recent deterioration in mental health among teenagers and young adults

Research done by Megan Landry, Monique Turner, Amita Vyas, and Susan Wood (2017).

examines the relationship between social media and changes in sexual risk behaviours among

Latino youth aged 13-19 years in Maryland, United States. The study aims to determine whether

parental monitoring moderates the relationship between social media use and sexual risk

behaviours among adolescents which is a critical period of development, marked by increased

focus on social relationships and the potential for impulsive behaviours. The study acknowledges

the limited empirical evidence on the impact of social media on sexual health behaviours among

youth. The findings highlight that sexual risk behaviours significantly increased over time, and

youth who sent more than 100 text messages per day had higher sexual risk scores.

Research done on “The Impact of Social Media on Romantic Relationships” by Christine

Yacoub, John Spoede Ph.D., Ruth Cutting, Ph.D. and Darby Hawley Ph.D. (2018). also resulted in

a correlation between social media and relationships. These researches administered the Social

Network Site Intrusion Questionnaire (SNSIQ) originally called the Facebook Intrusion

Questionnaire (FIQ), which is an eight-item questionnaire with responses reported on a seven-point

scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). The SNSIQ has high internal validity
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with an alpha of 0.85 and measures Social Network Site intrusion based on Brown’s (1997)

addiction components (Elphinston & Noller, 2011). The questionnaire measures the prevalence of

social network sites in an individual’s life, including how often an individual thinks about social

media and whether or not the individual can stop using social network sites. The aim of the current

study was to measure the effects of SNSI on relationships by measuring levels of relationship

satisfaction and SNSI. It was predicted that a negative correlation would be found between SNSI

and relationship satisfaction among college students. Using a Pearson product-moment correlation

coefficient, r (one-tailed), it was found that high SNSI scores were correlated with low relationship

satisfaction scores, r=-0.231, p<0.05. This suggested a negative, weak correlation between

relationship satisfaction and SNSI. The null hypothesis was rejected. The data indicated that as the

prevalence of social network site use increased in an individual’s life, the less satisfied he or she

reported to feel in his or her relationship.

N. R. Ramesh Masthi, S Pruthvi, and M. S. Phaneendra conducted a cross-sectional study

on social media usage and health status among students studying in Pre-University (PU) colleges

in Government and Private PU colleges situated in a selected ward of Urban Bengaluru city,

Karnataka, India, during July to December 2016. Among 1870 study subjects, 1389 (74.2%) were

Social Media Users and 481 (25.8%) were Social Media Nonusers. Among 1389 Social media

Users, 1216 (87.5%) consumed junk food. 921 (66.4%) of Social Media Users were males and 468

(33.6%) were females. Overall social media addiction was observed in 27.4% of the study subjects,

24.0% in government and 30.8% in private colleges (Z = 3.26, P = 0.001). However, the prevalence

of social media addiction among social media users (1389) was 36.9%. The prevalence of mild

addiction was high. The most common physical symptom observed in social media addicts was

strain on eyes, i.e., 38.4% followed by neck pain, i.e., 30.7% and least was gastritis, i.e., 1.9%. The

most common psychological change observed was Anger, i.e., 25.5% and behavioural change
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observed was sleep disturbance 26.1%. 339 (66%) of social media addicts had Ringxiety of whom

177 (52.2%) and 162 (47.8%) were from Government and Private PU colleges, respectively (χ2 =

28.31, P < 0.0001). Out of 1389 social media users, 315 (22.6%) had borderline selfitis, 76 (5.4%)

had acute selfitis and 150 (10.7%) had chronic selfitis. A statistically significant difference was

observed among acute (Z = 3.67, P < 0.001) and chronic selfitis (Z = 4.93, P < 0.001) between the

government and private PU colleges subjects.

Sexual risk behaviours significantly increased between baseline and follow up. The

unconditional means model was estimated to calculate intraclass correlation (ICC). The study

found a statistically significant positive association between high-frequency SMS and increased

sexual risk behaviours over a 16-month period. Parental monitoring was suggested to be a

protective factor in this study. Results suggest increased sexual risk among higher SMS users, but

higher levels of parental monitoring moderated this relationship in the hypothesized direction.

Thus, parental monitoring was associated with lower levels of reported sexual risk behaviours

despite high frequency SMS.

The utilization of social media (SM) is on the rise among young adults in the United States,

and its correlation with mental well-being is not yet fully understood. Liu yi Lin, B.A. Jaime E.

Sidani, Ph.D. et. al. (2016) conducted research aimed to examine the relationship between social

media usage and depression within a nationally representative sample of young adults. Participants

completed online survey items including depression (dependent variable), social media use

(independent variable), and covariates. The assessment of social media use included self-reported

metrics such as the total daily time spent on social media, weekly visit frequency, and a

comprehensive frequency score derived from the Pew Internet Research Questionnaire. Depression

levels were evaluated using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System
 18

(PROMIS) Depression Scale Short Form. The analysis utilized Chi-squared tests and ordered

logistic regressions, accounting for sample weights.

The results found that all associations between independent variables and depression had

strong, linear, dose–response trends. Results were robust to all sensitivity analyses, but depression

had high association with all the independent variables.

Research conducted by Renae A. Merrill and Xinya Liang (2019) to examine the

crosssectional associations between media use, mental health, suicidality, and sexual risk

behaviours among a nationally representative sample of youth. The study focuses first on the usage

of the internet and the type of social media platform used mainly by young adults, and states that

71 % of young people use more than one social media option. Along with the usage also comes

three specific triggers from social media that were linked with psychological outcomes when used

as a basis for improving one's current state of mind: trigger posts, stress posts, and oversharing of

information. Internalizing behaviours that can arise during adolescents like depression, anxiety, and

or the inability to cope or understand certain feelings were all taken into consideration, along with

the externalizing factors/behaviours. It was noted that during the developmental stage of late

adolescent to early adulthood, engaging in risky sexual behaviour was most prominent.

The variables of Media use, poorer mental health and risky sexual behaviour were all taken

into consideration. The age range was around 12-18 years old and gender was a factor. Mental

health problems were significantly and negatively correlated with age and sleep. Internalizing

problems were significantly correlated with sexual activity. Associations between media use,

mental health, and risky sexual behaviours were statistically significant, social media consumption

and TV may not be practically associated with poorer mental health, social media and hours spent

watching TV had a non-significant association to risky sexual behaviours. Internalizing and

 19

externalizing behaviours are unlikely associated with media consumption and longitudinal research

is needed to identify the role of media content that is primarily being consumed by adolescents.

Gupta, Aman Khan, Amir Maroof1, Rajoura, Srivastava, Shruti (2018) conducted a

crosssectional study on Internet addiction and its mental health correlates among undergraduate

college students of a university in North India with a sample of 477 students. The primary objective

was to estimate the prevalence of IA among the college students, representative sample sizes for

each college was decided based on population proportion to size. The prevalence of Internet

Addiction

(IA) was 25.3% (96/380). The level of impairment was mild among 45.0% (171/380), and 29.7%

(113/380) of the participants observed were free from Internet Addiction. Those with IA when

compared to those without IA, had a significantly higher proportion of subjects with depression

(68.8% vs. 45.8%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.6), with anxiety (74.0% vs. 53.3%, OR = 2.3) and with

stress (54.2% vs. 26.1%, OR = 3.4). However, in this research, no association between age and sex

groups of the participants and IA was found, there was also no difference in the prevalence of IA

between participants who lived at home and those living away from home. higher number of hours

of internet use, and always online status, was significantly associated with increased risk of IA.

There was however, a strong positive association between depression and IA. It was stated that

people with depressive symptoms might find online communication easier and less intimidating

than real-world communication owing to anonymity, absence of nonverbal cues and physical

presence. These factors help them overcome their interpersonal difficulties, often seen in

depression. Those suffering from depression may have a tendency to use the internet excessively

to relieve low mood and escape the feelings of guilt and hopelessness.
 20

A study by Francesca R. Dillman Carpentier and Elise M. Stevens (2017) examines the role

of sexually permissive attitudes in connection with young adults’ exposure to sex on television and,

broadly, the organization of sexual information in emerging adults’ minds. This examination carries

with it the assumption that concepts related to sex and sexual activity will be more easily accessible

in memory among those who are more sexually permissive, compared to those who are not as

favourable toward sexually permissive behaviours. If there is no difference in the accessibility of

sexual gratification, it is questionable whether sexual permissiveness is serving the knowledge

structuring function suggested in the reviewed attitude literature. The results were that sexual

permissiveness had a small but statistically significant negative relationship with sexual concept

accessibility even when controlling for the other variables in consideration, such that higher scores

on permissiveness corresponded with faster responses to sexual words compared to control words.

Sexual permissiveness maintained a significant positive relationship with estimated exposure to

sex on television. No direct relationship was found between exposure and accessibility in this

subsequent analysis. However, it should be noted that most of the emerging adults in this sample

had similar estimates of exposure to sex on television, spread primarily through the lower half of

the exposure scale. This lack of variation might explain why the direct relationship found between

exposure and permissiveness was small, although statistically significant.

Andrea Blanc (2023) did research to study the attitude towards sexual behaviour and their

relationship with gender and sexual orientation. Research indicates that sexual orientation also

plays a critical role in shaping sexual attitudes. Non-heterosexual individuals, including those who

identify as bisexual or homosexual, often report more positive attitudes toward solitary sexual

behaviours, the use of erotic materials, and unconventional sexual practices compared to

heterosexuals. These differences are hypothesized to stem from the distinct social and sexual

experiences of non-heterosexual individuals, which may foster more liberal attitudes toward
 21

diverse sexual behaviours. The research findings indicate that women generally have more positive

attitudes toward solitary sexual behaviours and the use of erotic materials, whereas men show more

positive attitudes toward unconventional and online sexual behaviours. Additionally, bisexual and

homosexual participants exhibit more positive attitudes toward a range of sexual behaviours

compared to their heterosexual counterparts. These results underscore the importance of

considering both gender and sexual orientation when studying sexual attitudes. They suggest that

interventions aimed at promoting sexual health should be tailored to address the specific needs and

attitudes of different demographic groups.

A study by A Repossi, J M Araneda, L Bustos, C Puente, C Rojas (1994) which aimed to

study the sexual behavior and contraceptive practices among University Students also found similar

results were in a sample of 464 students 78% of male and 41% of female students have had a sexual

intercourse and that 78% of males and 72% of females with an active sexual life use contraceptive

methods. Use of contraception increased regularly with age, from 68% of sexually active students

under 21 to 85% among students over 23 years old. It increased with frequency of intercourse, from

72% of those with sporadic relations to 91% of those having intercourse weekly or more often.

Although this type of research differs slightly from the research under study, one point we cannot

ignore is given in the previous sentences where majority of them have intercourse weekly or more

often.

Research done by Jane D. Brown and Kelly L. L'Engle (2005) to study sexual attitudes and

behaviors associated with U.S. Early adolescents' exposure to sexually explicit media showed that

males were significantly more likely than females to report any exposure to sexually explicit media:

53% of males reported sexually explicit media use, while only 28% of females did (χ2 = 74.25, df

= 1, p < .001). Use of the computer or the Internet for viewing sexually explicit media was most
 22

popular among males (40%), followed by viewing X-rated movies (36%) and pornographic

magazines (29%). Females were most likely to view X-rated movies (24%), followed by viewing

naked people on the computer or Internet (10%) and viewing adult magazines (5%). Chi-square

tests showed that sexually explicit media use was more frequent among black adolescents as

compared to whites, older teens compared to younger teens, lower SES teens, adolescents who had

less-educated parents, and higher sensation-seeking adolescents.

 23

CHAPTER II:

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Social media and its usage will only continue to rise in the modern world, and with this,

will come the many advantages and drawbacks. As we can already see from the results that are
 24

given in the literature review, we can see that many of the upcoming generations are facing many

new hurdles that were not present before. The use of social media has given rise to a lot of mental

health issues as youths today are prone to appear a certain way, which has led to standards among

their peers, which some are finding it hard to relate to. This can be due to a number of reasons -

SES, individuality etc. However, what is clear is that this issue needs to be considered a necessary

issue and the reason for the topic under study.

Objectives

1. To understand the relationship between social media use and sexual attitudes.

2. To determine the impact of social media usage on the mental health of youths

3. To determine if there is any relationship between the sexual attitudes and mental health of

the youths

Hypothesis

1. There is a positive relationship between social media usage and sexual attitudes

2. There is a negative impact of social media usage on the mental health of youths

3. There is a negative relationship between sexual attitudes and the mental health of the

youths.
 25

CHAPTER III:

METHODOLOGY
 26

Sample

A sample of 300 youths ranging from the age of 15-24 years will be selected from colleges in

Mizoram and from the various departments in Mizoram University. The data will be collected

through a random sampling technique to ensure a fair and non-bias participation of the population

under study. The data will be collected from Under-graduate (Bachelors) and Post-graduate

(Masters) students.

Design of the study

This study/research will utilize a quantitative research design to gather information about

the variables under study, these will be gathered through questionnaires in a survey method.

Random sampling method will also be used to ensure fair representation of the population.

Statistical Analysis:

1. Psychometric properties of each of the scale and subscales of the measures shall be

attempted to be ascertained.

2. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, skewness, kurtosis etc.) shall be employed to provide an

outline of the general characteristics of the variables under study.

3. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics shall be attempted to provide relationship

between mental health, sexual attitudes and social media consumption.

 27

Procedure

Consent was first obtained from the subject before the tests are administered. After

formation of rapport, they will be given the questionnaires and asked to fill up the demographic

sheet and then proceed to answering of the statements. The researcher will thoroughly check the

scoring sheet to ensure that proper response is fully answered. Finally, the collected data will be

stored for further analysis.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age Group: Although the criteria for Youth is from 15 years of age, only sample from

College and University students will be taken.

2. Gender: Both Male and Female students will be taken to examine gender differences

3. Residency: Only People studying inside Aizawl will be taken

4. Informed Consent: Only those who consent to the study will be taken

Exclusion Criteria

1. Age Group: Students younger than 17 years of age and older than 27 will be excluded

2. Gender: People who identify other than Male and Female will be excluded from the study

3. Consent: Those who do not consent to the study will not be included in the data even if they

have answered the questionnaire

4. Data: Only those who have answered all the questions will be selected for analysis.
 28

Psychological Tools

1. DASS-21 will be utilized to check/measure the emotional state of the individuals. This scale

is suitable for clinical settings to assist in diagnosis and outcome monitoring, as well

as non-clinical settings as a mental health screener. The DASS-21 has been extensively

normed, with data used for interpretive purposes based on a sample of 1794 non-clinical

adults (Henrey & Crawford, 2005). Consistent with the DASS-42, the DASS-21 has

internal consistency and concurrent validity in acceptable to excellent ranges (Antony et

al., 1998).

2. Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale will be administered to measure the extent of Social

Media usage. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), a six-item self-report

scale that is a brief and effective psychometric instrument for assessing at-risk social media

addiction on the Internet.

3. Sexual Attitude scale will be administered to measure the sexual attitudes of the individual.

The scale was intended to be psychometrically sound and to complement rather than

duplicate existing measures. The Sexual Attitudes Scale (SAS; Hendrick, Hendrick, &

Reich, 2006) was developed to broaden the assessment of sexual attitudes from a heavy

alliance on sexual permissiveness to a more comprehensive and multidimensional

approach. The SAS was also designed to assess attitudes generically, including maritally,

premaritally, and for non-marital couples. Finally, the scale is intended to be

psychometrically sound and to complement rather than duplicate existing measures. The

Sexual Attitude Scale has a number of sub-scales which are explained below:
 29

i. Permissiveness: Permissiveness here means a casual, open attitude towards sex ii. Sexual

Practices: This subscale measures responsible (e.g. birth control) and tolerant

(e.g., masturbation) sexual attitudes iii. Communion: This subscale presents sex as

an ideal or peak experience iv. Instrumentality: This subscale reflects sex as a

biological, self-oriented aspect of life CHAPTER IV:

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1: Descriptive Statistics

Skewness Kurtosis

Variable N Min Max x̄ 𝜎 Std. Std.

Statistic Error Statistic Error

Age 300 17.0 27.0 20.940 1.8550 .269 - .141 -.481 .281
Gender 300 1.0 2.0 1.523 .5003 .094 .141 -2.005 .281
.141 -1.482 .281
 30

Education 300 1.0 2.0 1.330 .4710 .727 .141 -.359 .281
Permissiveness 300 44.0 101.0 72.203 10.9292 .427
Sexual
300 7.0 31.0 15.643 3.9828 .437
Practices .141 .712 .281

Communion 300 9.0 45.0 21.640 5.2493 .682 .141 2.399 .281
Instrumentality 300 6.0 30.0 18.590 3.7553 .020 .141 .803 .281
Social Media
300 6.0 30.0 17.617 4.1141 .299
Usage .141 .166 .281

Stress 300 0 20 8.12 4.929 .375 .141 -.563 .281

Anxiety 300 0 21 7.50 4.632 .405 .141 -.338 .281
Depression 300 0 21 7.84 4.852 .582 .141 -.140 .281
Valid N
300
(listwise)

A total sample size of 300 participants was collected, where age of the participants ranged

from 17-27 years old. The oldest participant was 27 and youngest was 17. The educational level of

the sample was also taken from Under-graduates (UG) and Post-graduates (PG), where the

Undergraduates take up 200 of the samples and the remaining 100 being post-graduate students. It

is also important to note that these students are still studying under their respective educational

levels and have not yet passed. Also, from the total 300 sample collected, 143 are Males and the

remaining 157 are females. A more descriptive and detailed data is given in Table 1.

Table 2: Reliability Statistics

Scale Cronbach’s Alpha α Cronbach’s Alpha Based on N of Items
Standardised Tests
Permissiveness
.80 .80 21
 31

Sexual Practices
.68 .67 7
Communion
.78 .78 9
Instrumentality
.65 .65 6
Social Media Usage
.72 .72 6
Stress
.83 .82 7
Anxiety
.76 .76 7
Depression
.80 .80 7

Table 2 shows the reliability analysis of the various scales used in the study. The Cronbach’s

Alpha of the Scales Ranges from .65-.83. The lowest being .65 on Instrumentality and the highest

being .83 on Stress. From the above table given, it is clear that the scales used are within the

required levels of reliability to be used in the research.

Variables Levene's Test

for Equality of t-test for Equality of Means
Variances
95% Confidence
Sig. Interval of the
F Sig. t df MD SE
(2tailed) Difference
Lower Upper
 32

Permissiveness - - -
Table 3a: 10.646 0.001 298 0.00 1.1472 -6.9634
8.038 9.2211 11.4788
T-Test - - -
for 296.291 0.00 1.1382 -6.9811
8.101 11.4611
gender.
Communion - 9.2211
2.297 0.131 298 0.03 0.603 -2.5032 -0.1298
2.183 1.3165
- -
297.998 0.029 0.6005 -2.4981 -0.1348
2.192
Instrumentality - 1.3165
1.113 0.292 298 0.351 0.4342 -1.2603 0.4486
0.935 0.4058
- -
297.802 0.349 0.4328 -1.2576 0.4459
0.938
Social Media - 0.4058
3.63 0.058 298 0.00 0.4664 -2.5906 -0.7549
Usage 3.586 1.6728
- -
297.872 0.00 0.4639 -2.5858 -0.7598
3.606 1.6728
(Significant analyses reported)

Anxiety -
9.495 0.002 298 0.015 -1.303 0.531 -2.348 -0.258
2.454
-2.48 292.518 0.014 -1.303 0.525 -2.337 -0.269

Table 3a shows the t-test analysis between males and females. Significant differences

between the genders were found on Permissiveness, Communion and Social Media Usage. Women

scored higher than men in Permissiveness, Communion and Social Media usage and all the other

scales.
 33

Permissiveness here means that Men are more open towards sex than Women. However, it

does not mean they use it as an act without reason, rather they regard it highly and more like a

‘Peak experience’. However, when it comes to Anxiety and Social Media Usage, women score

slightly higher than their male counter parts

Table 3 b: T-test for Education

Levene's Test for

Variables Equality of t-test for Equality of Means
Variances
Sig. 95% Confidence
F Sig. t df (2- ME SD Interval of the
tailed) Difference
Lower Upper

29.753 0 -6.222 298 0.00 - 1.2646 10.3564 -

Permissiveness 7.8678 -10.677 5.3792
7.8678
-5.535 146.943 0.00 - 1.4215 -
5.0586
Sexual 0.799 0.372 3.87 298 0.00 1.8497 0.478 0.909 2.7903
Practices 4.027 216.798 0.00 1.8497 0.4594 0.9443 2.7551
Communion 0.153 0.696 3.363 298 0.001 2.1312 0.6337 0.8841 3.3783
3.469 211.761 0.001 2.1312 0.6144 0.92 3.3423
Depression 4.252 0.04 1.919 298 0.056 1.138 0.593 -0.029 2.305
1.81 168.193 0.072 1.138 0.629 -0.103 2.38

Table 3b shows the t-test between the under-graduates and post-graduates on the different
variables. We can see that post-graduate students score higher in permissiveness while the
undergraduates score higher in Communion and Sexual Practices. There are no other significant
differences between them
 34

Table4: Correlational analysis of the various scales and variables

Variables

Age x -.157** .696** .286* -.253** -.148* -.013 -.067 -.058 -.087 -.059
*

Gender -.157** x -.097 .422* .060 .125* .054 .203** .078 .141* .078
*

Education .696** -.097 x .339* -.219** -.191** .029 .000 -.069 -.077 -.110
*

Permissiveness .286** .422** .339** x .053 -.039 .210* .108 -.020 -.023 -.112
*

Sexual Practice -.253** .060 -.219** .053 x .445** .192* .025 - - -.146*
* .183* .162*
* *

Communion -.148* .125* -.191** -.039 .445** x .233* -.025 - -.073 -.061
* .151*
*

Instrumentality -.013 .054 .029 .210* .192** .233** x .040 - -.070 -

* .124* .167**

Social Media -.067 .203** .000 .108 .025 -.025 .040 x .240* .226* .228**
Use * *

Stress -.058 .078 -.069 -.020 -.183** -.151** - .240** x .775* .750**
.124* *

Anxiety -.087 .141* -.077 -.023 -.162** -.073 -.070 .226** .775* x .748**
*

Depression -.059 .078 -.110 -.112 -.146* -.061 - .228** .750* .748* x
.167* * *
*

**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
 35

Table 4 shows that as age increases, permissiveness also increases. But at the same time,
sexual practices and communion are also lower as people get older. We can also see that as a person’s
education increases, permissiveness increases while sexual practice and communion decreases.

The results also reject H1, which states that there will be a positive relationship between

social media usage and sexual attitudes. There was no significant relationship be it positive or

negative between the two variables. this also means our 1st objective is revealed; to understand the

relationship between social media use and sexual attitudes. From this result, there is no significant

relationship to be found. This means that we reject the reject the alternate hypothesis and accept

the null hypothesis.

Hypothesis 2 or H2 is accepted. There is a relationship between social media usage and

mental health of the youths. It is important to note that the three variables of Stress, Anxiety and

Depression will in most cases also rise if any of them rises. The strength of the correlation can be

explained as weak in statistical terms, as the numbers are all below .3 and around .2 each. However,

this is a statistical data and opinions could vary.

The third hypothesis (H3) is also rejected as there was no significant correlation found

between sexual attitudes and the mental health of the youth. Yes, there are some correlations, but

the level of correlation is extremely low. The alternate hypothesis is rejected since the findings do

no match and therefore, we accept the null hypothesis

DISCUSSION

The study suggests that the male population are more active when it comes to sexual

attitudes when compared to their female counterparts. This also goes along with researches that
 36

have been conducted before as Males have genetically higher testosterone levels when compared to

their female counterparts. Social media usage is also found to be higher in Women as is quite true

in the modern world too. However, almost everyone uses social media as technology has given us

an easy access to it.

Data analysis by Datareportal has put the question of which gender uses social media more

to rest. Results from the analysis of social media usage by gender show that while there are more

male social media users (53.4% of the global population) than female social media users (46.6%),

in terms of time spent, female users spend more time surfing social media every day—irrespective

of age. For instance, female users between 16 and 24 years of age spend an average of two hours

and 56 minutes on social media every day. In comparison, their male counterparts spend two hours

and 32 minutes—nearly half an hour less. The difference in daily time spent on social media

between the two genders is also the largest in this age group. For context, the average daily time

spent on social media among all users is two hours and 20 minutes.

Another Pew research done by Monica Anderson (2015) found that the gender gap which

used to be huge between men and women who use the internet, has gone down from 15% in 2010

to 7% in 2015. Although the overall percentage of men and women who report using social media

is now comparable, there are still some gender differences on specific platforms. Pinterest,

Facebook and Instagram have a larger female user base, while online discussion forums like Reddit,

Digg or Slashdot attract a greater share of male users. What we can see from other research and

analysis is that our result findings are similar to one another, even if the gap may have decreased.

As said before, when it comes to sexual attitudes or sexual drives, one would assume that

men are higher than women in this context. Frankenbach, J., Weber, M., Loschelder, D. D., Kilger,
 37

H., & Friese, M. (2022) proposed that it would be useful to think of sex drive as a personality trait.

The researchers resolved the problem of how to measure sex drive by considering how

psychologists measure other personality traits. We often talk about the ABCs of personality, namely

affect (or emotion), behavior (or actions), and cognition (or thoughts). That is to say, psychologists

define your personality as the typical ways in which you feel, act, and think.

Taking this approach, there are three aspects of sex drive that can be measured. The

researchers propose to measure affect in terms of how easily you get aroused when faced with a

sexual stimulus or situation. Likewise, behavior involves the frequency of sexual acts. And finally,

cognition has to do with how often you think about sex. Frankenbach and colleagues found that

when sex drive is defined as they proposed, men do, on average, have higher sex drives than women.

However, there was wide variability in sex drive among both men and women. As a result, about a

third of the women surveyed indicated a higher sex drive than that of the average man. These results

fall in line with other research on gender differences. That is to say, when a gender difference is

found, that difference is small, and the variability within each gender is great. This is easiest to see

with an example like height. On average, men are taller than women, but there are still plenty of

women who are taller than most men.

We can say to an extent that men are typically more sexually active than men, provided research

and surveys are answered by the sample truthfully as sex can be a quite an intimate subject for many

people. however, as this research has indicated, generalizing an entire gender based on a sample

could prove to be inaccurate in many cases. There can be men who are lower in sexual attitudes

than females, and females who are higher than men. Just like how stereotypes, though insensitive

and inaccurate in many cases, arise from truth and experiences, we can also say that there is truth
 38

in what many of the research and what our results have produced, but it can also not be the same

for everybody.

The relationship between mental health and social media usage provides a lot of potential for future

research as with growing development of technology. We can experience it firsthand that our phones

are in most cases, always glued to us. from our literature review, we also noted how research in

internet addiction is correlated to mental problem among many individuals. Using the internet itself

is not a bad thing, many people use it for good, to get jobs and many other activities. This research

only focuses on the negative effects and this must always be put into consideration.

We can see from billionaire like Jeff Bezos how the internet is crucial in our economy. Most of

today’s job applications, admissions etc. are also done through online modules. Social media itself

also has become a place for promotion, advertisements etc. The top entertainers in our modern era

most often than not, use it as a means to promote their works and themselves. But, although

countless advantages, the other side; the negative side must always be put into consideration.
 39

CHAPTER V:

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

 40

Objective 1: To understand the relationship between social media use and sexual attitudes

The 1st objective aimed to understand how social media usage and sexual attitudes are related to

each other. The result findings indicate that there is not much relationship between these variables

as they do fall under the significance value of both 0.01 and 0.05. from this research, we can

conclude that they do not necessarily impact one another.

Objective 2: To determine the impact of social media usage on the mental health of youths

The 2nd objective which aims to determine the impact of social media usage on the mental health

of youths finds that there is some correlation between the two. Falling under the significance value

of .01 and with correlations strengths of .240**.226**.228** respective for Stress, Anxiety and

Depression, we can conclude that social media usage does impact the mental health of youths in

some way. It could be argued that the strength of correlations is weak, but it cannot be denied that

social media usage does impact the mental health of youths.

Objective 3: To determine if there is any relationship between the sexual attitudes and mental health

of the youths
 41

The 3rd objective which aims to determine if any relationship between sexual attitudes and mental

health does also provide some results. A negative correlation was found between the two variables.

A correlation result of -.183 -.162 at 0.01 level and -.146 at 0.05 level of significance for Sexual

Practice and Mental health was found. Communion and Stress was found to be correlated with a

score of -.151 at 0.01 level. And Instrumentality was found to be correlated with Stress and

Depression at -.124 -.167 with levels of significance at 0.01 and 0.05 levels respectively. What we

can say here is that the strength although significant, is quite low in terms of correlations.

Hypothesis 1: There is a positive relationship between social media usage and sexual attitudes

The results states there was no significant relationship be it positive or negative between the two

variables. Social media usage did not show any significant impact on the sexual attitudes of the

population under study, be it negative or positive. And so, this hypothesis is rejected.

Hypothesis 2: There is a negative impact of social media usage on the mental health of youths

The 2nd hypothesis is accepted as it was found that using social does impact the mental health

of the youths. With significant correlation found between the variables of Stress, Anxiety and

Depression with Social Media usage, at .240 .226 .228 at 0.01 level of significance respectively.

The strengths of the correlation can be described as quite weak; however, this also means that H2

is proved and accepted.

Hypothesis 3: There is a negative relationship between sexual attitudes and the mental health of the

youths.

The 3rd hypothesis is partially accepted as there are some negative relationships between

sexual attitudes and mental health. But as a whole, the correlations are quite weak. A negative

correlation result of -.183 -.162 at 0.01 level and -.146 at 0.05 level of significance for Sexual
 42

Practice and Mental health was found. Communion and Stress was found to be correlated with a

score of -.151 at 0.01 level. And Instrumentality was found to be correlated with Stress and

Depression at -.124 -.167 with levels of significance at 0.01 and 0.05 levels respectively. These

findings suggest that while the impact of sexual attitudes in mental health is present, it is quite

negligible as the correlation strengths are quite low.

Implications

The study does have some implications on the study of such topics or areas of interest.

While conducting research like these, it is always important to put into priority the attitudes of many

of the sample under study. A topic as sensitive as this should always require extreme caution as

many people could be triggered. Also, the age range of the study also implies that the sample have

experienced the variables under study, which in many cases could be the opposite. Understanding

that males and females differ significantly could prove to be a crucial factor in such studies.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future researches could improve on the type of questionnaire and standardised tests that they

use, also the quality of the sample population could be improved. Meaning that more than a

quantitative approach, a more qualitative approach or a mix of both could provide more desirable

results. Topics of such intimate context should be studied as they are crucial for knowledge in the

field, but with caution and patience.

Conclusion

This study explores how the relationship between social media, sexual attitudes and mental

health among the youths. The results indicates that although there are some relationships between
 43

them, the strength of these variables is quite low. The study does shed some light on how sexual

attitudes, social media usage and mental health are inter-connected. However, as this is only one

research and for a mere sample to represent a whole population, it is quite inadequate and further

research needs to be conducted on larger and improved scale.

Limitations:

One of the most prominent limitations of this study is the content of one of the variables,

namely Sexual attitudes. In a conservative society, many could be reluctant to answer the statements

truthfully, the problem of not giving authentic answers is a factor that cannot be overlooked. The

result findings are a generalisation of the data under study and this could not a representative for

many of the individuals under study.

The variable of Social Media Usage also comes with certain limitations. The questionnaire

only takes into account the amount of time spent in social media. For example, many people today

use social media as a means of income, the context of how they operate within social media is not

taken into consideration, and this is a limitation of the present study. Future research could improve

on the quality and the context to which variables are taken in order to produce a more in-depth

analysis.
 44

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 50

APPENDICES

Appendix-i

SEXUAL ATTITUDE SCALE

The following table contains a list of statements that highlight certain opinions regarding sex and
its activities. There is no wrong or right answer. Read the statements carefully and give your
answer by ticking (✓) on the options given.

PERMISSIVENESS

No. Statements Answers

Strongly Moderately Neutral Moderately Strongly

agree agree disagree disagree

1 In order for sex to be

good, it must also be
meaningful
2 I do not need to be
committed to a person to
have sex with him/her.

3 Casual sex is acceptable

4 I would like to have sex

with many partners
5 One-night stands are
sometimes very enjoyable
6 It is okay to have ongoing
sexual relationships with
more than one person at a
time.
 51

7 It is okay to manipulate
someone into having sex
as long as no future
promises are made.

8 Sex as a simple exchange

of favors is okay if both
people agree to it.

9 The best sex is with no

strings attached.

10 Life would have fewer

problems if people could
have sex more freely.
11 It is possible to enjoy sex
with a person and not like
that person very much.

12 Sex is more fun with

someone you don’t love.

13 It is all right to pressure

someone into having sex.

14 Extensive premarital
sexual experience is fine.

15 Extramarital affairs are all

right as long as one’s
partner doesn’t know
about them.

16 Sex for its own sake is

perfectly all right
17 I would feel comfortable
having intercourse with
my partner in the presence
of other people
 52

18 Prostitution is acceptable.

19 It is okay for sex to be

just good physical release
20 Sex without love is
meaningless.

21 People should at least be

friends before they have
sex together
SEXUAL PRACTICES

No. Statements Answers

Strongly Moderately Neutral Moderately Strongly

agree agree disagree disagree

1 Birth control is part of

responsible sexuality

2 A woman should share

responsibility for birth
control
3 A man should share
responsibility for birth
control.

4 Sex education is important

for young people

5 Using “sex toys” during

lovemaking is acceptable

6 Masturbation is all right.

7 Masturbating one’s partner

during intercourse can
increase the pleasure of sex.
 53

COMMUNION

No. Statements Answers

Strongly Moderately Neutral Moderately Strongly

agree agree disagree disagree

1 Sex gets better as a

relationship progresses.

2 Sex is the closest form of

communication between
two people
3 A sexual encounter
between two people
deeply in love is the
ultimate human
interaction.
4 Orgasm is the greatest
experience in the world.

5 At its best, sex seems to

be the merging of two
souls
6 Sex is a very important
part of life.
 54

7 Sex is usually an
intensive, almost
overwhelming experience
8 During sexual intercourse,
intense awareness of the
partner is the best frame of
mind.

9 Sex is fundamentally
good.

INSTRUMENTALITY

No. Statements Answers

Strongly Moderately Neutral Moderately Strongly

agree agree disagree disagree

1 Sex is best when you let

yourself go and focus on
your own pleasure.

2 Sex is primarily the taking

of pleasure from another
person
3 The main purpose of sex
is to enjoy oneself.

4 Sex is primarily physical.

5 Sex is primarily a bodily

function, like eating

6 Sex is mostly a game

between males and
females
 55

Appendix-ii

DASS-21

Please read each statement and circle a number 0, 1, 2 or 3 which indicates how much the

statement applied to you over the past week. There are no right or wrong answers. Do not spend

too much time on any statement.

The rating scale is as follows:

0 Did not apply to me at all

1 Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time

2 Applied to me to a considerable degree or a good part of time

3 Applied to me very much or most of the time

 56

1. I found it hard to wind down 0 1 2 3

2. I was aware of dryness of my mouth 0 1 2 3
3. I couldn’t seem to experience any positive feeling at all 0 1 2 3
4. I experienced breathing difficulty (e.g. excessively rapid breathing, breathlessness in the
absence of physical exertion) 0 1 2 3
5. I found it difficult to work up the initiative to do things 0 1 2 3
6. I tended to over-react to situations 0 1 2 3
7. I experienced trembling (e.g. in the hands) 0 1 2 3
8. I felt that I was using a lot of nervous energy 0 1 2 3
9. I was worried about situations in which I might panic
and make a fool of myself. 0 1 2 3
10. I felt that I had nothing to look forward to 0 1 2 3

11. I found myself getting agitated 0 1 2 3

12. I found it difficult to relax 0 1 2 3
13. I felt down-hearted and blue 0 1 2 3
14. I was intolerant of anything that kept me from
getting on with what I was doing. 0 1 2 3
15. I felt I was close to panic 0 1 2 3
16. I was unable to become enthusiastic about anything 0 1 2 3
17. I felt I wasn’t worth much as a person 0 1 2 3
18. I felt that I was rather touchy 0 1 2 3
19. I was aware of the action of my heart in the absence of physical
exertion (e.g. sense of heart rate increase, heart missing a beat) 0 1 2 3
20. I felt scared without any good reason. 0 1 2 3
21. I felt that life was meaningless. 0 1 2 3
 57

Appendix-iii

BERGEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE SCALE

The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale is a brief self-report scale that assess the level of social

media usage from the individual. There are no right or wrong answers so please answer them

honestly. Depending on your answer of the statement, you will simply tick (✓) on the option that

best suits yourself.

No. Statements Answers

1. You spend a lot of time i)very ii)rarely iii)sometimes iv)often v)very

thinking about social media rarely often
or planning how to use it
 58

2. You feel an urge to use social i)very ii)rarely iii)sometimes iv)often v)very
media more and more. rarely often

3. You use social media in i)very ii)rarely iii)sometimes iv)often v)very

order to forget about rarely often
personal problems
4. You have tried to cut down i)very ii)rarely iii)sometimes iv)often v)very
on the use of social media rarely often
without success.

5. You become restless or i)very ii)rarely iii)sometimes iv)often v)very

troubled if you are prohibited rarely often
from using social media

6. You use social media so i)very ii)rarely iii)sometimes iv)often v)very

much that it has had a rarely often
negative impact on your
job/studies

Appendix-iv

CONSENT FORM

Hello, I am Lalduhawma from the Department of Psychology, Mizoram University. I am currently

conducting research for my dissertation, which tries to understand the relationship between the
way people today use social media, and the way it influences us. I would be grateful if you could
kindly participate in this research. This test will strictly be confidential and all the results obtained
will only be used for academic purposes.

Please fill out the following Demographic details.

 59

Name : _____________________
Age : _____________________
Gender : _____________________
Marital Status : Married/Unmarried

Education : _____________________

I consent to participate in the research project although the research may not be of direct benefit to
me. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time,
without giving a reason and without cost.

Signature

( )