International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 3 (May-June 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of May-June.

The Impact Of Social Media Engagement On Mental Health

Author(s) Hrucha Gokhale, Sayali Singare, Kudakwashe Chirinda, Kartik Pillai
Country India
Abstract This study explores the relationship between social media use patterns and mental health,
focusing specifically on depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. With the rapid integra-
tion of social media into daily life, concerns have arisen about its potential negative effects on
psychological well-being. Using a data set of 481 participants, the study employs statistical
models, including correlation heatmaps, linear regression, and ordered logit models, to investi-
gate how behaviors such as validation search and the frequency of browsing social media relate
to mental health indicators. The analysis reveals that increased social media engagement is
significantly associated with higher depression levels, particularly among non-binary individ-
uals, who report the highest levels of distress. Regression models show that both browsing
frequency and validation-seeking behaviors contribute to increased depressive symptoms, with
the likelihood of depression increasing alongside these behaviors. Furthermore, interaction
models reveal age- and gender-specific differences in mental health outcomes, with middle-
aged people experiencing lower levels of depression compared to younger adults. The study
also finds significant variability in how different social media platforms impact the mental
health of users, with TikTok and Snapchat being associated with the highest levels of de-
pression. This research underscores the importance of understanding the role of social media
in mental health, particularly with regard to marginalized groups. The policy implications
suggest that social media platforms should consider mental health in their design, encourage
healthier usage patterns, and promote content that promotes well-being. Clinical recommen-
dations highlight the need for mental health professionals to incorporate social media usage
into assessments, particularly when treating individuals with depression or anxiety. Future
research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the causal relationship be-
tween social media engagement and mental health outcomes.
Field Sociology > Health
Published In Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2025
Published On 2025-05-04
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.43649
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9hsdn

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