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Dr. Beverly Haley

Abstract
This study investigates the effects of social media use on mental health in young adults.
Specifically, it explores how the frequency of social media engagement influences
levels of anxiety, depression, and overall well-being. A total of 250 participants, aged
18-25, were surveyed about their social media habits and mental health. The findings
suggest that excessive social media use is positively correlated with higher levels of
anxiety and depression, particularly among individuals who spend more than 4 hours
per day on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. The study concludes by
discussing potential implications for mental health interventions and the importance of
managing social media use.

I. Introduction
The rise of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok has
dramatically changed how young adults communicate, interact, and perceive
themselves. While these platforms offer opportunities for social connection and
selfexpression, research suggests they may also contribute to mental health issues.
Previous studies have highlighted the link between excessive social media use and
feelings of anxiety and depression. This study seeks to further explore how the
amount of time spent on social media affects mental health outcomes in young
adults, with a focus on Instagram and Facebook usage.

Il . Literature Review
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between social media use and
mental health. According to Smith (2070), excessive social media engagement is
associated with increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Conversely,
Johnson and Taylor (2069) suggest that social media can also foster positive mental
health by providing a sense of community and emotional support, particularly for
individuals who face social isolation. However, these findings remain inconsistent, with
some studies indicating that the impact of social media on mental health varies based
on the type of content consumed and the user's perception of online interactions.

Social media platforms have also been found to shape body image concerns among
young adults. A study by Williams et al. (2068) revealed that Instagram, in particular, is
linked to higher rates of body dissatisfaction due to the prevalence of edited and
idealized images. These findings point to the need for further research into how
specific social media platforms contribute to mental health outcomes.
Ill. Methodology
This study used a quantitative research design to examine the relationship between
social media usage and mental health. A total of 250 participants, aged 18-25, were
recruited through online advertisements on social media platforms. Participants
completed a 15-minute online survey that assessed their social media usage, including
the number of hours spent per day on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, as well as their
perceived levels of anxiety and depression, measured using the Generalized Anxiety
Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Data analysis included descriptive statistics to assess the average time spent on social
media and the average anxiety and depression scores. Pearson correlation tests were
conducted to determine the strength of the relationships between social media usage
and mental health outcomes.

IV. Results
The results of the study revealed that participants who spent more than 4 hours per
day on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, reported significantly higher
levels of anxiety (M = 15.2, SD 4.1) and depression (M 14.8, SD = 3.7) compared to
those who spent less than 2 hours daily. The correlation between Instagram use and
anxiety was found to be moderate but significant (r = .43, p < .01), while the correlation
between Instagram use and depression was also moderate (r = .40, p < .01).

No significant correlation was found between Facebook usage and mental health
outcomes (r = -.02, p = .75), suggesting that the type of platform may influence the
impact on mental health. Additionally, participants who engaged in TikTok for more
than
3 hours daily reported a slight increase in anxiety levels, but this finding was not
statistically significant (r .15, p = .23).

V. Discussion
The findings of this study suggest that excessive use of social media, particularly
Instagram, is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in young adults.
These results support previous research by Smith (2070) and Williams et al. (2068),
who found a similar relationship between social media use and mental health issues.
The lack of a significant correlation with Facebook and the minimal effect of TikTok use
on mental health outcomes may indicate that the type of content consumed on
different platforms plays a critical role in shaping psychological well-being.

The study's limitations include the reliance on self-reported data, which may be
subject to bias. Additionally, the cross-sectional nature of the study prevents any
causal inferences from being made. Future research should explore the specific types
of content consumed on social media and examine the long-term effects of social
media usage on mental health.

VI. Conclusion
This study highlights the potential mental health risks associated with excessive social
media use, particularly Instagram, among young adults. The findings suggest that
interventions aimed at reducing social media usage or promoting healthier online
habits could help mitigate the negative effects on mental health. Given the increasing
reliance on social media for communication and socialization, it is essential to explore
strategies for managing online engagement and promoting positive mental health in
the digital age.

VII. References
1. Johnson, M., & Taylor, K. (2069). Social media and mental well-being: Exploring the
positive effects. Social Science Journal, 34(4), 234-245.

2. Smith, J. (2070). The impact of social media on mental health: A systematic review.
Journal of Psychology, 12(3), 100-115. https://doi.org/10.1007/jps.2070.0045

3. Williams, L., Brown, S. , & White, T. (2068). Body image concerns and social media
use in young adults. Journal of Health Psychology, 29(2), 150-160.
VIII. Appendices
• Appendix A: Social Media Usage Survey
• Appendix B: Anxiety and Depression Scales

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