THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON TEENAGE MENTAL HEALTH: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN

DVRNHS STUDENTS

CHAPTER 1
 INTRODUCTION

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Social networking is a way that helps people feels that they are belong to the society. Social

media refers to online platforms or tools that allow users to create, share, and interact with

content, information, or other users in a virtual environment. The term social media is a broad

term that encompases a wide range of platforms and service. Social media usage by students is

so rampant recently because of easy access to device such as smart phone's, i-phones, tablets,

i-pad and laptops which are connected to the internet. The rapid advance of media technology

has had a great impact on the way people communication. Over the years, social media become

more popular specially among students. It is the way of there communication process not only

inside the school but also with there friends outside the school. Due to its increase popularity

it's also affects on students academic performance that sometimes that effect to there mental

health.

Gobally, The advent of social media has revolutionized the way individuals interact,

communicate and share information but its widespread adoption among teenagers also raised

concerns about its potential impact on their mental health and well being. Platforms like

Facebook, twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become integral to modern life especially in

teenager's age 13-19 years old. With approximately 3.8 billion social media users worldwide

(Kemp,2022), the impact on adolescent's mental health has become a pressing concern. Mental

health concerns among teenagers have been rising globally, with anxiety, depression, and
loneliness being the most common issues (World Health Organization, 2022). According to the

World Health Organization (2022), approximately 1 in 5 teenagers experience mental health

problems, with many cases going undiagnosed and untreated. Research has shown that

excessive social media usage can have negative effects on teenage mental health, such as

Increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, Poor sleep quality, cyberbullying

and online harassment, and lack of self confidence. The World Health organization has

recognized the importance of addressing mental health concerns among teenagers, including

the impact of social media. Governments, policymakers, and mental health organizations

worldwide are calling for greater regulation of social media companies and increased

awareness about the potential risks of social media on teenage mental health.

Nationally, Mental health concerns have become a growing issue in the Philippines, with

increasing reports of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among Filipino youth (Department of

Health, 2020). According to the World Health Organization (2019), the Philippines has one of

the highest rates of depression in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is one of the most socially

active countries in the world, with over 70 million Filipinos using social media (Hootsuite, 2022).

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have become an integral part

of Filipino youth culture. Research has shown that excessive social media usage can have

negative effects on mental health, including increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and

loneliness (Király et al., 2019). A study conducted by the University of the Philippines found that

social media usage was associated with increased stress and anxiety levels among Filipino
college students (Liu et al., 2020) The Philippine government has recognized the importance of

addressing mental health concerns, including the impact of social media on mental health. The

Department of Health has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting mental health

awareness and reducing stigma around mental illness (Department of Health, 2020).

Locally, The municipality of Laak, located in the province of Davao de Oro, Philippines, has a

population of approximately 75,000 people (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020). Laak is a rural

municipality with a growing number of young people who are actively using social media.

Mental health concerns are a growing issue in Laak, with reports of anxiety, depression, and

loneliness among local youth (Municipal Health Office, 2020). The lack of mental health services

and resources in the municipality exacerbates the problem. Social media usage is widespread

among young people in Laak, with many using social media platforms to connect with friends,

share experiences, and access information (Laak Municipal Government, 2020). However, there

is concern about the potential negative effects of excessive social media usage on mental

health. The local government of Laak has initiated programs aimed at promoting mental health

awareness and providing support services for local residents (Municipal Health Office, 2020).

However, more research is needed to understand the specific mental health needs of local

youth and the impact of social media on their mental health.

It's is conducted to study about the effects of social media among the students mental health.

We the researcher conducted this research to explore and understand the students who suffers

the social media addiction and awaken them to solve there academic performance for them to
control themselves ilon using social media technology on other purposes. Therefore, we the

researchers conducted this study to improve and help the teacher about there common

problem that we face in this school campus.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Here's a potential purpose statement for the study:

The purpose of this exploratory study is to investigate the impact of social media on the mental

health of teenagers at DVRNHS. Specifically, this study aims to:

1. Examine the relationship between social media usage and symptoms of anxiety, depression,

and loneliness among teenagers.

2. Identify the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between social media usage

and mental health outcomes, including social comparison, cyberbullying, and sleep deprivation.

3. Explore the perceptions and experiences of teenagers regarding the impact of social media

on their mental health.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between social media usage and mental

health outcomes among teenagers. A systematic review of 36 studies found that social media

usage was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness (Király et

al., 2019). Another study of over 10,000 teenagers found that excessive social media usage was

linked to poor sleep quality, which in turn was associated with increased symptoms of

depression and anxiety (Cain & Gradisar, 2010).

Social media refers to online platforms or tools that allow users to create, share, and interact

with content, information, or other users in a virtual environment. Here's a potential theoretical

framework for the study on the impact of social media on teenage mental health:

1. Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977)

Social Learning Theory posits that people learn new behaviors and attitudes by observing and

imitating others. In the context of social media, teenagers may learn behaviors and attitudes

that can impact their mental health, such as cyberbullying or unrealistic comparisons.

2. Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000)

Self-Determination Theory suggests that people have three innate psychological needs:

autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Social media can impact these needs, for example, by

providing a sense of relatedness through online connections, but also potentially undermining

autonomy and competence through unrealistic comparisons and cyberbullying.

3. Uses and Gratifications Theory (Katz et al., 1974)

Uses and Gratifications Theory proposes that people use media to satisfy specific needs or

desires. In the context of social media, teenagers may use platforms to satisfy needs such as

social connection, self-expression, or entertainment.

Media Richness Theory suggests that different media channels have different levels of richness,

or ability to convey complex information. Social media platforms vary in their richness, with

some platforms (e.g. Instagram) emphasizing visual content, while others (e.g. Twitter)

prioritize text-based communication.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The internet today become the most important source of information and growing dimensions

of the use of social media by students cannot be understimated. Teenagers spend an average of

3 hours on social media (Hinckley et Al., 2012), exposing them yo potential risks. Some of them

spend more than 3 hours on using technology. Social7 become the basis of there learning that

may effect on there academic performances and mental. Instead of sleeping during night they

used there time on playing online games, and chatting, that makes them feeling tired and

exhausted that often leads them to sleep at class hours. The concern of social media on mental

health are:

1. Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear,

or apprehension that interferes with daily life, often accompanied by physical and

emotional symptoms. Anxiety can significantly impair students' emotional well-being,

academic performance, social relationships and overall quality of life.

2. Depression
 Depression is a mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and

loss of interest in activities, impairing daily life and overall well-being. Depression

significantly impairs students' emotional well-being, academic performance, social

relationships and overall quality of life, affecting their ability to succeed and thrive.

3. Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem is a negative self-image or lack of confidence, characterized by self-doubt,

criticism, and difficulty recognizing one's worth, value, and strengths. Low self-esteem

negatively impacts students' academic performance, social relationships and emotional

well-being, leading to decreased motivation, social isolation and increased vulnerability to

mental health issues.

4. Sleep disturbances

Sleep disturbances refer to chronic or intermittent disruptions in sleep patterns, causing

fatigue, decreased cognitive function and impaired overall well-being. Sleep disturbances

significantly impair students' academic performance, cognitive function, emotional

regulation and overall well-being, leading to decreased concentration, memory lapses,

mood disturbances and reduced quality of life.

These concerns necessitate investigating the relationship between social media usage and

teenage mental health.

SCOPE

The respondents of the study are 30 selected junior high school students and 20 senior high

school students of DVRNHS. This research do not include other students because of there self
control on using social media. This research aims to identify the students who are addicted on

using social media resulting to effect there own well being. The research do not included the

different factors that effect on the students mental health, but only focus on the positive and

negative effects of social media, that may effect on the students mental health and to know and

understand on how the social media can help improve there performance and without hurting

there well being.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study is all about the effects of social media on the health of the students especially of the

DVRNHS of Aguinaldo. For them to awake the truth and help themselves to improve.

This study want to explain the proper usage of social media.

To all the students that we survey of DVRNHS. They find out that they become addict on using

using social media that enable them to balance there health and other performances.

Faculty members of the DVRNHS. To aware the actions and behavior of their students, educate

them and correct them about their limitations on using social media.

The University Guidedance councilor. That they can use the gathered data to be able to reach

out those students and have a seminar at school about having control on using social media.

The Community possessing the same kind of case. That they can read this study and used it as

a guide to understand the users of social media and how this kind of problem be lessen and

how would they deal this kind of problem itself.