Republic of the Philippines

Region VI-Western Visayas

Division of Antique
San Jose de Buenavista
Antique National School

“THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

ON THE IMPACT OF

SOCIAL MEDIA ON THEIR MENTAL HEALTH”

Researchers:

Grade 11 HUMSS-FROST

Mel Anthony S. Nieves

Bj Rafols Delossantos

Ceasar Vilvar

Benna Samillano

Daniela Juanico

Submitted to: Jason Ayon

SY 2024-2025
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Background of the Study

Social media has become a necessary component of the everyday life of Senior

High School Students, influencing how they communicate, interact, and approach their

personal and academic lives. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are some

platforms that offer them chances to bond with friends, interact, and gain access to

information in a split second. Yet, whereas these platforms contribute to social

interactions and self-expression, they equally carry risks which can adversely affect

student’s mental health. Current research shows that overuse of social media is

associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem in

teenagers (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020). Continuous exposure to edited online

content tends to result in negative social comparisons, causing students to feel

inadequate or compelled to live up to unattainable beauty, achievement, and lifestyle

expectations (Fardouly, Diedrichs, Vartanian, & Halliwell, 2015).

Moreover, cyberbullying, online harassment, and negative comments are also

sources of emotional distress, with some students developing social withdrawal and

academic problems consequently (Naslund, Aschbrenner, Marsch, & Bartels, 2016). One

of the greatest concerns about the use of social media by students is the difficulty in

balancing their academic work with online activities. The convenient nature of social

media can result in procrastination, distractions, and decreased attention, eventually

impacting scholarship and productivity (Meier & Reinecke, 2021). Their addictive nature

as well as fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps students glued to social media despite the

need to disconnect, thereby resulting in high screen time as well as disturbances in sleep

routines (Scott, Biello, & Woods, 2019).

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Despite of these issues, social media also provides a positive experience for

students. It is a vehicle for self-expression, emotional support, and belonging (Best,

Manktelow, & Taylor, 2014). Social media platforms are safe havens where students can

find encouragement, have deep conversations, and gain access to mental health

services. For others, social media is a coping mechanism that enables them to cope with

stress and personal issues by reaching out to similar individuals who share the same

experience. With the growing issues of mental health among elderly high school students,

it is important to investigate their experiences with social media. This research is intended

to discuss the twofold effect of social media on student’s welfare both positive and

negative. Through an exploration of their challenges, coping strategies, and views, this

research hopes to contribute meaningful insights to educators, parents, and policymakers

in creating a healthier digital environment for the youth.

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Research Questions

1. How do senior high school students perceive the impact of social media on their

mental health?

2. In what ways does social media contribute to anxiety, stress, or self-esteem issues

among students?

3. How do students balance their academic responsibilities with their use of social

media?

4. What are the coping strategies students use to deal with the adverse impact of

social media?

5. What are the roles of parents, teachers, and peers in assisting students to use

social media healthily?

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References

-Best, P., Manktelow, R., & Taylor, B. (2014). Online communication, social media, and
adolescent well-being: A systematic narrative review. Children and Youth Services

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S174014451400148X?utm_source

- Review, 41, 27-36. - Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E.
(2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young
women's body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25615425/

- Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of
social media on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adolescents.
International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25’ (1), 79-93.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02673843.2019.1590851

- Meier, A., & Reinecke, L. (2021). Computer-mediated communication, social media,

and mental health: A review of recent research and future directions. Current Opinion
in Psychology, 45, 101289.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345674944_Computer-
Mediated_Communication_Social_Media_and_Mental_Health_A_Conceptual_and_Em
pirical_Meta-Review

- Naslund, J. A., Aschbrenner, K. A., Marsch, L. A., & Bartels, S. J. (2016). The future of
mental health care: Peer-to-peer support and social media. Epidemiology and
Psychiatric Sciences, 25’(2), 113-122.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-psychiatric-
sciences/article/future-of-mental-health-care-peertopeer-support-and-social-
media/DC0FB362B67DF2A48D42D487ED07C783