The emergence of social media as a dominant form of communication has sparked considerable interest among researchers examining its multifaceted effects on mental health. This literature review explores the intricate relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes, emphasizing the dual-edged nature of these digital platforms. On one hand, studies have highlighted potential benefits, such as increased connectivity, social support, and access to mental health resources. Conversely, the negative implications—such as cyberbullying, social comparison, and the perpetuation of unrealistic standards—are equally significant, with research indicating associations between excessive social media use and elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. While existing literature contributes valuable insights into these dynamics, notable gaps remain, particularly regarding the long-term effects of social media engagement and the differential impacts across diverse demographic groups. Furthermore, the rapid evolution of social media trends necessitates ongoing research to ascertain the implications of emerging platforms. Consequently, this literature review will first synthesize current findings, then delve into the identified gaps, ultimately aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of how social media influences mental health across varying contexts and populations.


      The exploration of social media's impact on mental health has evolved significantly over the last two decades, reflecting the rapid integration of digital communication into daily life. Initially, early studies primarily aimed to uncover the superficial connections between general social media usage and psychological well-being. Researchers noted that increased social media interaction could lead to heightened feelings of loneliness and depression, particularly among vulnerable populations such as adolescents and young adults. For instance, findings revealed a consistent association between frequent social media use and increased emotional distress, highlighting the potential negative effects of online interactions on users' self-esteem and overall mental health [cite1]. 

As researchers began to delve deeper, the focus shifted towards understanding the nuances of social media interactions. A key area of interest became the differentiation between active versus passive engagement on these platforms. Studies indicated that while active participation (e.g., posting updates, interacting with others) could foster feelings of social connection, passive consumption (e.g., scrolling through feeds) was often linked to negative outcomes such as social comparison and heightened feelings of inadequacy [cite2][cite3]. This period marked a critical turn towards recognizing the complexity of social media interactions and their varied effects on mental health, prompting further investigation into content-specific influences.

The investigation into content types became even more pronounced as researchers began to examine the nuances of the visual content shared on social media. Findings indicated that exposure to idealized images of beauty, fitness, and success could exacerbate body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors among users, particularly women [cite4][cite5]. This growing body of evidence underscored the need for an integrated approach to analyzing social media impact, emphasizing not only the quantity of use but also the nature of the content consumed. Furthermore, scholars began to consider cultural context, demonstrating that varying demographic factors could influence how social media affects mental health outcomes [cite6].

The discourse surrounding social media usage took on new dimensions when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, with many turning to social media for connection and information during times of isolation. This period prompted researchers to examine the dual role of social media as both a support and a stressor. For example, studies revealed that while seeking social support through social media could alleviate feelings of anxiety, excessive engagement, especially in health-related contexts, could lead to increased stress levels and anxiety about health conditions [cite7][cite8]. Interestingly, social media also emerged as a tool for public health communication, suggesting that trust in these platforms played a significant role in influencing protective health behaviors during the pandemic [cite9].

As awareness of the mental health impacts of social media deepened, new methodologies emerged, allowing researchers to explore interpersonal dynamics in greater detail. Employing egocentric social network approaches, some studies assessed the relationship between an individual's social connections and their mental health outcomes, revealing that social media alters users’ perceptions of their social networks in ways that could either mitigate or exacerbate feelings of isolation and emotional distress [cite10]. This aspect of research highlighted the importance of understanding social media within the intricate web of personal relationships rather than as an isolated factor influencing mental well-being.

Wondering about the implications of problematic social media use, later studies began to examine specific behaviors associated with excessive engagement, such as Food and Alcohol Disturbance (FAD), linking these behaviors directly to anxiety stemming from social media exposure [cite11][cite12]. Researchers emphasized the need to address these issues within the context of social support systems, indicating that those with strong support networks were less likely to experience the negative mental health outcomes associated with high social media engagement. This research trajectory illustrated a growing consensus that any comprehensive understanding of social media's impact on mental health must consider a multitude of factors, including psychological, social, and cultural dimensions.

Overall, the literature reflects a remarkable evolution from simplistic correlations to a more nuanced understanding of the diverse and intricate relationships between social media usage and mental health. As this field of research continues to develop, it becomes increasingly clear that social media's impact is not monolithic; rather, it is shaped by a complex interplay of behaviors, content, and individual differences, underscoring the necessity for continued exploration and targeted interventions.

      The impact of social media on mental health has been a focus of extensive research, revealing complex relationships that vary across different demographics, contexts, and types of social media use. A fundamental theme is the dual nature of social media engagement, where both active and passive interactions can yield vastly different psychological outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that active participation, such as creating content, may enhance feelings of connection and self-esteem, while passive consumption, such as scrolling through feeds and engaging in social comparison, often correlates with negative mental health effects, including heightened anxiety and depression [cite2][cite3]. This dichotomy suggests that not all forms of social media engagement are equal and highlights the necessity for deeper examination into specific content types that users encounter.

Another significant area of concern is the pervasive culture of social comparison facilitated by these platforms. Research indicates that frequent exposure to idealized representations of life—especially those portraying slender bodies or glamorous lifestyles—can lead to increased levels of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors among individuals, particularly women [cite1][cite10]. This phenomenon underscores the interconnectedness of social media interactions and body image perception, with studies consistently linking frequent use of platforms like Instagram and TikTok to negative self-perception and psychological distress [cite9][cite4]. Furthermore, the impact of food-related content on body dissatisfaction has also been highlighted, suggesting that it lays the groundwork for unhealthy eating patterns, especially in college-aged women [cite1].

The relationship between social media usage and mental health also presents significant findings concerning young adults and social isolation. Although platforms like Facebook and Instagram can provide tools for connection, they can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness when users perceive themselves as excluded from social circles or when they engage in excessive comparisons with others [cite5][cite8]. This paradox often results from the superficial nature of online interactions, which tend to lack the depth and emotional support found in face-to-face relationships. As noted in several studies, particularly among vulnerable populations such as those experiencing depression or anxiety, social media can exacerbate feelings of social isolation rather than alleviate them [cite11][cite12].

Moreover, the psychological effects of social media use are particularly pronounced during unique life experiences, such as pregnancy. Studies have indicated that excessive and problematic social media use can lead to increased anxiety and depression in expectant mothers, often mediated by negative comparisons and body dissatisfaction linked to social media content [cite10]. This highlights that the ramifications of social media go beyond typical standards of mental health, as specific life transitions bring forth unique challenges exacerbated by social media narratives.

Furthermore, emerging research reflects a growing awareness of the role of social support in mediating the effects of social media on mental health. Strong social support networks can counteract some of the detrimental impacts associated with high social media activity. For instance, individuals who report high levels of social support tend to experience less anxiety and negative outcomes from social media engagement, suggesting that supportive online interactions may promote resilience [cite12][cite4]. This demonstrates the necessity for interventions that harness the potential of social media to build positive social networks and enhance users' mental well-being.

Despite the wealth of insights these studies provide, significant research gaps remain. Current literature often overlooks nuanced aspects such as the effects of specific platform designs, user demographics, and types of content consumption on mental health outcomes. Additionally, existing studies frequently rely on correlational data, which limits the ability to draw causal relationships. Future research employing longitudinal designs and experimental methodologies could enhance the understanding of social media's psychological impacts and inform strategies for healthier online engagement. Thus, while social media offers potential benefits, its relationship with mental health is complex and invites ongoing investigation within the growing digital landscape.

      Research on the impact of social media on mental health has employed a variety of methodological approaches, each yielding distinct insights and contributing to an evolving understanding of the phenomenon. One prevalent methodology is the cross-sectional survey design, which allows researchers to assess associations between social media use and mental health outcomes at a single point in time. Numerous studies utilizing this approach have found significant correlations between higher levels of social media use, particularly violent and edited content, and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction among various age groups, including adolescents and young adults [cite1], [cite2]. For instance, a cross-sectional analysis showed that social media, especially when utilized passively, tends to be linked to negative mental health outcomes due to mechanisms like social comparison and fear of missing out [cite6]. 

Conversely, longitudinal studies provide a more nuanced perspective by examining changes over time. Such studies have revealed that while initial exposure to social media may correlate with increased mental health issues, the effects can vary considerably based on the nature of content consumed and the individual's social context [cite3]. For example, research investigating active versus passive social media usage suggests that while passive consumption leads to negative feelings and poor mental health, creating authentic content can enhance feelings of connection and support [cite4]. These longitudinal methods highlight the complexity of social media's influence on mental health, underscoring that differences in individual experiences can lead to different outcomes in mental well-being [cite9]. 

In some studies, qualitative methodologies have been employed to capture richer, more detailed narratives surrounding social media experiences. Here, interviews and focus groups allow participants to articulate their emotional responses and perceptions about their social media interactions and their impact on mental health [cite10]. For instance, qualitative research has illuminated how individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities, experience hypervisibility and invisibility on social media. The findings suggest these experiences can engender feelings of both empowerment and distress, further complicating the relationship between social media use and mental health [cite11]. 

Moreover, methodological triangulation, which combines multiple methods to obtain broad insights, has also been adopted in exploring social media’s mental health implications. This approach helps to reconcile discrepancies between findings observed in purely quantitative studies and those gleaned from qualitative analyses. A notable example is illustrated in studies that assessed the role of social support as a moderator in the relationship between social media use and disordered eating behaviors. These studies have found that higher levels of perceived social support can buffer negative psychological effects arising from problematic social media behaviors [cite12], leading to suggestions that context-specific variables play crucial roles in determining mental health outcomes among users.

Despite substantial advancements provided by these various methodologies, gaps remain in the current literature. A consistent challenge across many studies involves self-selection bias, as individuals with pre-existing mental health difficulties may be more inclined to engage in social media, thereby confounding results. Furthermore, the operational definitions of social media use can vary widely, leading to challenges in comparing results across studies. Future research endeavors would benefit from employing diverse methodological strategies that focus on longitudinal designs paired with qualitative insights, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between social media and mental health. Engaging in culturally sensitive approaches that consider users' backgrounds and experiences can also generate more effective and relevant interventions and public health campaigns aimed at mitigating the adverse effects associated with social media use.

      The impact of social media on mental health has garnered considerable attention in academic discourse, attracting various theoretical perspectives that frame understanding in complex ways. One major perspective is the Social Comparison Theory, which posits that individuals determine their self-worth by comparing themselves to others. This framework is particularly relevant in the context of social media, as users are constantly exposed to curated images and lifestyles, leading to feelings of inadequacy and heightened anxiety. Indeed, studies have shown that frequent social media use is associated with increased anxiety levels due to social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and information overload [cite5]. Furthermore, research has indicated that exposure to edited content can contribute to lower body satisfaction and elevated depressive symptoms among users, emphasizing the perils of comparative behavior in digital environments [cite10]. 

Another pertinent framework is the Uses and Gratifications Theory, which suggests that people use media to satisfy psychological needs. This perspective highlights the dual nature of social media usage; while it can potentially fulfill needs for social interaction, community, and support, it can also serve to exacerbate issues such as loneliness and depression. For instance, [cite6] outlines how the nature of engagement—whether active or passive—affects mental health outcomes differently. Active participation may encourage a sense of belonging, while passive consumption can lead to feelings of disconnection and exacerbate mental health issues. This supports the notion that the context and manner of social media engagement significantly influence psychological outcomes.

The concept of Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) introduces another layer to the discussion. This theory suggests that excessive use, characterized by addiction-like symptoms, leads to negative mental health consequences such as depression and anxiety. Research conducted among pregnant women revealed that PSMU correlated with increased levels of depression and anxiety, mediated by factors of social comparison and body dissatisfaction [cite10]. This aligns with the broader clinical perspectives that focus on addictive behaviors and their detrimental effects, demonstrating a need for more focused clinical interventions in the context of our increasingly digital lives.

Moreover, the theory surrounding the Communication Privacy Management (CPM) framework can also inform our understanding of how social media impacts mental health. This theory emphasizes the importance of privacy in the sharing of personal information and the consequences that violations may entail. As users navigate their social media presence, the erosion of privacy can lead to issues of trust and vulnerability, further complicating mental health outcomes. Research indicates that when individuals feel a lack of control over their shared information, this can lead to increased anxiety and distress [cite9]. The implications of privacy management remain crucial, particularly in understanding how breaches of trust can lead to negative psychological ramifications.

Intersectional analyses further complicate these frameworks, revealing that the effects of social media on mental health are not monolithic. Factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status play a significant role in how individuals experience social media's implications. Studies have indicated that experiences of hypervisibility or invisibility in marginalized groups lead to differing psychological impacts. For instance, individuals from racial minorities may face unique distress from social media interactions that perpetuate stereotypes or marginalization [cite8]. Such findings suggest that the intersection of social identity and social media use necessitates a nuanced understanding of mental health outcomes, calling for tailored approaches in mental health interventions.

Additionally, the potential positive effects of social media use on mental health cannot be overlooked. Utilizing theoretical lenses like the Positive Psychology framework emphasizes resilience, social support, and community connection fostered through social media platforms. Certain studies highlight how online communities can provide crucial support and reduce feelings of isolation, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that digital platforms can be instrumental when navigating health-related anxieties and societal challenges [cite4]. This duality invites further exploration into contexts where social media serves as a protective factor against mental health decline, contrasting the more commonly highlighted detrimental effects.

Notably, ongoing debates around social media’s impact on mental health underscore the need for continued research that reconciles various theoretical perspectives. Critical theories suggest that the design and architecture of social media platforms themselves may influence user mental health, advocating for moral responsibility among tech companies [cite7]. In summary, the theoretical perspectives surrounding the impact of social media on mental health demonstrate a rich tapestry of findings and interpretations, reflecting the multifaceted, often contradictory nature of social interactions in digital spaces. Future research efforts must endeavor to synthesize these diverse theoretical viewpoints, enhancing our understanding and informing interventions that acknowledge the complexity of mental health influences in the age of social media.
    

In conclusion, this literature review has elucidated the multifaceted impact of social media on mental health, revealing both detrimental and beneficial effects that vary significantly across different contexts and demographic groups. Key findings indicate that while social media can foster social connections and provide support, it often exacerbates feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, particularly through mechanisms such as social comparison and exposure to idealized portrayals of life. The review has highlighted the importance of distinguishing between active and passive social media engagement, noting that active participation may enhance well-being, while passive consumption frequently leads to negative mental health outcomes.

The significance of these findings lies in their implications for understanding the complex relationship between digital interactions and mental health. With increasing social media use, especially among vulnerable populations like adolescents and young adults, it is crucial to address both the positive and negative consequences of these platforms in public health discussions and mental health interventions. The topic of social media's impact on mental health encompasses a broad scope, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that considers individual differences, content types, and the socio-cultural context of users.

Overarching conclusions drawn from this literature point to the necessity of a balanced perspective that acknowledges the potential for both risk and resilience in social media interactions. Future research should aim to fill existing gaps related to longitudinal effects, the influence of specific platform designs, and the dynamics of content consumption. Additionally, employing diverse methodological approaches, including qualitative studies, will enrich our understanding of individuals' lived experiences with social media. Ultimately, advancing this area of study can lead to more effective interventions and promote healthier online engagement, ensuring that social media can serve as a supportive tool rather than a detriment to mental health.

This thesis aims to evaluate the impact of social media, especially TikTok, on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior in college-aged women. Previous research established connections between increased social media usage and body dissatisfaction and between the type of content viewed on social media and body dissatisfaction. In addition, several studies showed a connection between body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior. To investigate the impact of social media on body image and body dissatisfaction in college-aged women at the University of South Carolina, I collected data using a self-report survey that asked participants questions about which social media platforms they used, how frequently they used social media, and what type of content they watched on these platforms. Participants were also asked about their body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior. I hypothesized that the amount of time women spend on social media, their body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behavior would all be positively correlated. I also hypothesized that viewing content about diet and exercise would correlate with higher body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior. The results confirmed my hypotheses that watching diet and exercise content would increase body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior and that body dissatisfaction would correlate with disordered eating behavior. There was no correlation between overall time spent on social media and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior. These findings are important because young women need to be aware of the deleterious effects of social media use so they can take measures to avoid them

Faraci, Ariana R (2023). "The Influence of TikTok And Social Media On Body Dissatisfaction And Disordered Eating Behavior In College-Aged Women". Scholar Commons. https://core.ac.uk/download/596792127.pdf

The Influence of TikTok And Social Media On Body Dissatisfaction And Disordered Eating Behavior In College-Aged Women

Pregnancy can be experienced as a significant transition for many women with associated body dissatisfaction, depression, pregnancy-related anxiety, and disordered eating attitudes. Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) creates abundant opportunities for women to compare themselves with others and expose themselves to sociocultural influences which may increase body dissatisfaction and psychological distress. This study examined whether the relationship between PSMU and psychological distress (defined as depression, pregnancy-related anxiety and disordered eating attitudes) was mediated by negative social comparisons and body dissatisfaction. A sample of 225 pregnant Australian women (Mage = 31.91 years, SD age = 4.39) recruited online, completed self-report measures related to the variables of interest. Results: PSMU was associated with higher levels of depression, pregnancy-related anxiety, and disordered eating attitudes. Negative social comparisons and body dissatisfaction partially mediated the relationship between PSMU and pregnancy-related anxiety and depression, and fully mediated the relationship between PSMU and disordered eating attitudes. Cross-sectional nature of the study limited our ability to determine the direction of the relationships. Moreover, the recruitment method via social media led to high rates of non-completion. The findings of this study suggest that problematic social media usage during pregnancy may increase depression, pregnancy-related anxiety and disordered eating attitudes. This study identified potential pathways that may explain this relationship, (via social comparisons and body dissatisfaction). This study highlights the potentially negative impact of social media use amongst expectant mothers and the importance of screening for body dissatisfaction in routine antenatal care.

Adele Samra (2024). "Problematic social media use and psychological distress in pregnancy: The mediating role of social comparisons and body dissatisfaction". 361(N/A). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016503272400987X

Problematic social media use and psychological distress in pregnancy: The mediating role of social comparisons and body dissatisfaction

The epidemic of loneliness and social isolation has been recognized as a public health crisis warranting the same prioritization as other public health issues today, such as obesity, substance use disorders, and tobacco use. Social disconnection is particularly prevalent and disabling among individuals with anxiety and depression, yet it is inadequately evaluated and addressed in most clinical psychology treatment research. Studies generally employ global measures of perceived connectedness, loneliness, or relationship satisfaction, limiting understanding about elements of one's social network that may change with treatment. This study examined changes in the degree (number of people nominated) and quality of one's social network from pre-to post-treatment using an egocentric social network approach in 59 adults (mean age = 30.8 years, range = 18 to 54) with clinically elevated anxiety or depression who were randomized to a cognitive and behavioral positive valence treatment versus waitlist. Participants (egos) named people in their lives (alters) with whom they discussed important issues or spent free time. For each alter, participants rated how close they felt, how close they thought the alter felt to them, and how frequently they communicated. Linear regressions, which included treatment group as a predictor, revealed no group differences in changes in network degree, perceived alter feelings of closeness, or communication frequency, despite prior findings from this sample indicating larger increases in perceived global connectedness in the treatment group. Unexpectedly, the control group reported a greater increase in perceived closeness to alters. Post-hoc analyses revealed this was explained by the treatment group identifying more distal social ties (e.g., extended family, colleagues, roommates) as alters following treatment – an outcome positively associated with global improvements in connectedness. This proof-of-concept study suggests egocentric social network surveys may provide unique information on treatment-related changes in social functioning. Suggestions are provided for adaptations to facilitate application of social network surveys to mental health treatment research.

Madeleine Rassaby (2024). "Application of an egocentric social network approach to examine changes in social connections following treatment for anxiety and depression: A novel measurement tool for clinical trials research?". 350(N/A). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953624003587

Application of an egocentric social network approach to examine changes in social connections following treatment for anxiety and depression: A novel measurement tool for clinical trials research?

Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) is an understudied form of disordered eating, in which the consumption of calories is restricted in preparation for drinking alcohol. Guided by previous literature, the present study examined the direct, indirect, and interactive relationships between social media use, anxiety, social support, FAD, and disordered eating among young adults. Recruited from a large southwestern public university, the sample included 679 undergraduate students who completed an online survey in spring of 2022 and who indicated that they consume alcohol and are 18 to 29 years old. Two moderated mediation analyses assessed the indirect effects of anxiety on the relationships between social media use with FAD and disordered eating, and the conditional contribution of social support. Results indicated that social media use was related to disordered eating both directly and indirectly through anxiety, but it was only related to FAD through anxiety. Furthermore, indirect effects connecting social media use to FAD and disordered eating were conditional upon social support. Our findings suggest FAD and disordered eating may be coping mechanisms for anxiety stemming from social media exposure, though these associations appear to be attenuated when social support is high. As such, these findings may be relevant for shaping future intervention and prevention efforts for emerging adults experiencing FAD and disordered eating.

William D. Murley (2024). "Anxiety connects social media use to food and alcohol disturbance and disordered eating when social support is low". 53(N/A). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471015324000382

Anxiety connects social media use to food and alcohol disturbance and disordered eating when social support is low

The rapid growth in popularity of social media platforms has fueled concerns about the possible negative effects of social media use on young people’s mental health and body image. To unravel social media effects, scholars argued that social media activities should be divided into active and passive social media use. It has been hypothesized that active social media use (i.e., creating content) leads to positive effects on mental health and body image, whereas passive social media (i.e., viewing content) leads to negative effects. In some cases, however, active social media use appeared to also lead to more negative feelings about oneself and one’s life, while passive social media use can lead to more positive feelings about these matters. Hence, the active-passive dichotomy seems a rough division that needs further specification. What types of content do young people post online, and what do they passively consume? And how does that affect their mental health and body image? To advance our knowledge and insights on these matters, the overarching goal of this dissertation was to investigate if, when, and how social media use affects young people’s mental health and body image. In Chapter 2, findings of a systematic literature review indicated that how social media use coincides with mental health and body image largely depends on the content of the self-presentation created or passively consumed. For example, sharing negative life events was generally linked to decreased subjective well-being. In contrast, sharing authentic self-presentations was linked with increased subjective well-being. The second study (Chapter 3) examined how ethno-racial identities may predispose differences in publicly posted selfies. Facial recognition was used to classify the selfie-takers’ ethno-racial identity on over 3000 publicly posted selfies. Findings revealed that individuals varying in ethno-racial identity generally differed in their online self-presentations. For example, Asian and Hispanic selfie-takers posted more of their context and less of themselves than black and white selfie-takers. The third study in this dissertation examined how the prevalence of posting and seeing different photo-types was linked with mental health and body image (Chapter 4). This study included more than 400 adolescents. Findings of this study indicated that, for example, posting more authentic photos of oneself is associated with higher levels of mental health, whereas posting edited photos is associated with more body shame. The last study examined the potential longer-term impact of social media use (Chapter 5). This study included more than 400 Japanese adolescents and more than 500 Dutch adolescents. The adolescents completed three online surveys, with one-month intervals in between. Findings of this study indicated that both a higher frequency of posting and being exposed to authentic photos can induce positive outcomes for mental health and body image, whereas both a higher frequency of posting and being exposed to edited photos of others was found to relate to negative outcomes. Results were, however, different between Dutch and Japanese adolescents. The results of the studies in this dissertation generally conclude that time-based approaches of social media use reflect an oversimplification to interpret the possible effects on mental health and body image. The findings of this dissertation all advocate that there is a need to apply an integrated content-specific and behavior-specific approach. Moreover, social media effects are conditional, meaning that social media effects cannot be attributed to all adolescents and may vary across cultural context. Hence, if and when social media impacts mental health and body image largely depends on how and why they use social media as well as the way they respond to their social media use

Bij de Vaate, Anna Johanna Davina (2023). "Unraveling Social Media Effects:How the Intertwinement of Online Content and User Behaviors Guides Mental Health and Body Image". 'VU E-Publishing'. https://core.ac.uk/download/554665714.pdf

Unraveling Social Media Effects:How the Intertwinement of Online Content and User Behaviors Guides Mental Health and Body Image

A vivid scholarly debate addresses the extent to which social media usage is detrimental for adolescents’ mental health and body satisfaction. The current study aims to advance the debate in three ways: (1) we differentiate between different types of active and passive social media use (i.e., authentic vs. edited content), (2) we examine both between- and within-person results, and (3) we take a cross-national approach. Therefore, a three-wave panel study was conducted among 987 adolescents in Japan (N = 433) and the Netherlands (N = 554) to longitudinally investigate the relationships between active visual self-presentation, passive exposures thereto, and mental health and body satisfaction. Between-person results generally indicate that, regardless of being active or passive, both creating or seeing authentic content can be associated with increases in mental health and body satisfaction. Contrary, both creating and seeing edited content can coincide with reduced levels of mental health and body satisfaction. Nevertheless, the results should be seen in light of differences in between- and (lagged) within-person processes as well as cross-country differences. In all, evidence exemplifies the need for a communication-centered approach specifying content heterogeneity, showcases differences in between- and within-person effects, and demonstrates cross-national differential susceptibly to media effects

Bij de Vaate, N.A.J.D., Konijn, E.A., Veldhuis, J. (2023). "The impact of seeing and posting photos on mental health and body satisfaction:A panel study among Dutch and Japanese adolescents". https://core.ac.uk/download/591474122.pdf

The impact of seeing and posting photos on mental health and body satisfaction:A panel study among Dutch and Japanese adolescents

Background Social media have become the source of choice for many users to search for health information on COVID-19 despite possible detrimental consequences. Several studies have analyzed the association between health information–searching behavior and mental health. Some of these studies examined users’ intentions in searching health information on social media and the impact of social media use on mental health in Indonesia. Objective This study investigates both active and passive participation in social media, shedding light on cofounding effects from these different forms of engagement. In addition, this study analyses the role of trust in social media platforms and its effect on public health outcomes. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of social media usage on COVID-19 protective behavior in Indonesia. The most commonly used social media platforms are Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter. Methods We used primary data from an online survey. We processed 414 answers to a structured questionnaire to evaluate the relationship between these users’ active and passive participation in social media, trust in social media, anxiety, self-efficacy, and protective behavior to COVID-19. We modeled the data using partial least square structural equation modeling. Results This study reveals that social media trust is a crucial antecedent, where trust in social media is positively associated with active contribution and passive consumption of COVID-19 content in social media, users’ anxiety, self-efficacy, and protective behavior. This study found that active contribution of content related to COVID-19 on social media is positively correlated with anxiety, while passive participation increases self-efficacy and, in turn, protective behavior. This study also found that active participation is associated with negative health outcomes, while passive participation has the opposite effects. The results of this study can potentially be used for other infectious diseases, for example, dengue fever and diseases that can be transmitted through the air and have handling protocols similar to that of COVID-19. Conclusions Public health campaigns can use social media for health promotion. Public health campaigns should post positive messages and distil the received information parsimoniously to avoid unnecessary and possibly counterproductive increased anxiety of the users.

P. W. Handayani, G. Zagatti, Hajer Kefi, S. Bressan (2023). "Impact of Social Media Usage on Users’ COVID-19 Protective Behavior: Survey Study in Indonesia". 7. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/94966798038d9a2b0e058c90c362d08251bd3eef

Impact of Social Media Usage on Users’ COVID-19 Protective Behavior: Survey Study in Indonesia

This review explores the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness. The analysis of extensive research highlights the potential negative effects of social media use on mental well-being. Key findings suggest that frequent social media use is associated with increased anxiety levels due to social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and information overload. Social media use is also linked to higher levels of stress, with factors such as maintaining a certain image and constant engagement contributing to psychological burden. Excessive use of social media platforms, especially Facebook, is associated with depressive symptoms and poorer mental health outcomes. Furthermore, social media use can paradoxically contribute to loneliness, as superficial online interactions may not provide the same depth and fulfillment as offline connections. The complex relationship between social media and mental health calls for individuals to be mindful of their usage and develop strategies to mitigate potential negative effects. Further research, interventions, and awareness about responsible social media use are necessary to promote positive mental health outcomes.

Tarik Ikbal (2023). "A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Reveals Noteworthy Effects". https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/2d3dcc627424c1a6c1780269648bdd0865124c43

A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Reveals Noteworthy Effects

This paper presents the results of an online survey on digital participation through the use of social media of n = 38 German deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) adults. In addition, information about the respondents' mental health is collected with four different scales: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMoS), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Social Isolation Scale (PRO-MIS SI-S) and the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS). Correlation analyses using Pearson correlation and Spearman rank correlation tests were conducted to identify relationships between mental health and use of social media. The results indicate that the DHH adults have 4.13 social media accounts on average and use social media 3.78 h per day. This is consistent with other research findings, so that the DHH individuals in this study do not differ from other DHH adults or hearing adults in the number of their social media accounts and in their media usage time. However, there are differences in usage of social media that concern, for example, the social media platforms that are used and time of usage due to communication modality (spoken language, sign language, bimodal bilingualism, and mixed forms). DHH individuals who use sign language use social media less overall compared to DHH people who use spoken language. In terms of mental health, it was found that, as expected, addictive social media behavior and high usage time are interrelated. Addictive behavior, in turn, is often associated with low self-esteem, a sense of social isolation, and a fear of missing out. In general, many participants in the study score high in scales for self-perception of social isolation and loneliness. Nevertheless, there are also positive effects and opportunities of using social media, especially in terms of digital participation, for DHH people, which are also discussed in the article.

Karolin Schäfer, Felix Miles (2023). "Social media use and mental health in deaf or hard-of-hearing adults—Results of an online survey". https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/97cf8f148b9f8f24066c6749a36c656b7159553f

Social media use and mental health in deaf or hard-of-hearing adults—Results of an online survey

Introducing the Metaverse, Augmented, and Virtual Reality will change people's ways of life and daily gestures. Floridi, in this regard, has coined the term "mangrove society" to indicate the living conditions of human beings suspended between online and offline. In addition to changing lifestyle habits, introducing new technologies impacts many sectors of science, including psychology and treatments on psychological well-being, so much so that the term cyberpsychology has already been coined. Studies and research on these new systems are in their infancy and show potential future developments and the limits they contain, such as the phenomenon of cybersickness and the impact that the new tools could have on physical and mental health. Furthermore, with new technologies, privacy-related problems are arising, and in part have already occurred, which should be carefully evaluated and regulated.

Mattia Indelicato (2024). "Virtual Reality, Metaverse and Mental Health". https://cab.unime.it/journals/index.php/ASMC/article/view/4287

Virtual Reality, Metaverse and Mental Health

The feeling of invisibility threatens fundamental needs and negatively affects mood. One could conclude from this research that more visibility should minimize need threats and negative moods. However, studies have also shown that, in some instances, experiences of hypervisibility are distressing. Social media is flooded with videos and articles of Black men and women feeling invisible in the medical fields and not receiving the treatment they deserve. Likewise, social media examples abound of Black individuals feeling monitored in retail situations or being killed by the police because of racial stereotypes. Researchers also found adverse experiences of invisibility or hypervisibility among Black individuals that appear to be contradictory at a phenomenological level. My research aims to assess how invisibility and hypervisibility are experienced qualitatively and how manipulations of invisibility and hypervisibility may cause different psychological effects. In Study 1, Black participants were asked to recall their experiences with both invisibility and hypervisibility. Participants had little difficulty reporting both experiences, in which strangers either dismissed, ignored, and excluded them or spotlighted them because of race-based stereotypes. Coding themes also showed that participants could recall positive events and emotions when asked about hypervisibility but not invisibility. In Study 2, I manipulated invisibility and hypervisibility using a novel method: comics. Results showed that Black participants experienced threatened needs when reading a comic about a Black child being invisible or hypervisible. However, their needs were more threatened when the child recalls an invisibility experience. Lastly, in Study 3, I replicated Study 2 but also added necessary control conditions. Additionally, I examined the impact of comic-induced invisibility and hypervisibility on cognitive interference using a Stroop test. The results of Study 2 were replicated, but there was no difference in cognitive interference between the conditions. In summary, although the present research shows that invisibility and hypervisibility are both aversive, invisibility leads Black individuals to feel worse and have lower need satisfaction. Additionally, invisibility and hypervisibility threaten the needs of self-esteem and control similarly, but invisibility leads to more threats to belonging and meaningful existence than does hypervisibility. Using an innovative method of comics, my research demonstrates the aversive psychological impact of invisibility as well as the aversive reactions to hypervisibility. Future research should focus on whether hypervisibility is primarily detrimental because the individual may feel that while their stereotypic physical or social features are highly noticed, their core attributes of what makes them a person are not.

Eboni Bradley (2024). "Psychological Similarities and Differences Between Invisibility and Hypervisibility in Black Individuals". https://hammer.purdue.edu/articles/figure/_b_Psychological_Similarities_and_Differences_Between_Invisibility_and_Hypervisibility_in_Black_Individuals_b_/26499955

Psychological Similarities and Differences Between Invisibility and Hypervisibility in Black Individuals

This study investigates the complex relationship between social media usage and mental well-being across different age groups in the United States. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research aims to unravel the multi-dimensional impacts of online platforms on mental health. The methodology involves a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and digital libraries, focusing on studies conducted from 2000 to the present. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are meticulously applied to ensure the relevance and quality of the selected literature. Key findings reveal that the impact of social media on mental health is nuanced and varies significantly across age groups. Positive aspects such as enhanced connectivity and community support coexist with negative impacts like exposure to cyberbullying, addiction, and exacerbation of mental health issues. The study highlights the importance of considering psychological, social, and cultural dimensions in understanding these impacts. The future landscape of social media and mental health presents both challenges and opportunities. The digital age necessitates adaptive strategies to mitigate the risks associated with social media use while leveraging its potential benefits. Recommendations are provided for industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for safer social media platforms, integration of social media literacy in healthcare, and robust regulatory frameworks. Conclusively, this study contributes to the understanding of social media's role in mental health, suggesting the need for ongoing research, particularly in exploring causal relationships and developing age-specific and culturally sensitive interventions. The findings underscore the importance of a collaborative approach among various stakeholders to foster a healthier digital environment.

Tolulope O Olorunsogo, Obe Destiny Balogun, Oluwatoyin Ayo-Farai, Oluwatosin Ogundairo, Chinedu Paschal Maduka, Chiamaka Chinaemelum Okongwu, Chinyere Onwumere (2024). "Mental health and social media in the U.S.: A review: Investigating the potential links between online platforms and mental well-being among different age groups". https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.13147601

Mental health and social media in the U.S.: A review: Investigating the potential links between online platforms and mental well-being among different age groups

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