International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

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

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 1 (January-February 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of February to publish your research paper in the issue of January-February.

Mental Health and Social Media: A Comprehensive Psychological Analysis of Digital Interaction in the Modern Age

Author(s) Parnika Gupta
Country India
Abstract The emergence of social media as a dominant force in modern communication has reshaped how individuals interact, express identity, and perceive personal worth (American Psychological Association [APA], n.d.). While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for connection, learning, and emotional support, growing evidence suggests a strong association between excessive social media use and declining mental health outcomes (World Health Organization [WHO], n.d.). This research paper critically examines the psychological impact of social media on mental well-being, with particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, addiction, and social behavior. Integrating perspectives from behavioral psychology, neuroscience, and media studies, the study draws upon psychological theories, real-life case studies, survey findings, and insights from The Happiness Lab (Santos, n.d.) and the documentary The Social Dilemma (Orlowski, 2020). The findings reveal a dual nature of social media, functioning both as a supportive tool and a psychological stressor. The paper concludes that the impact of social media on mental health is not inherently negative but is largely determined by patterns of use, platform design, and individual psychological vulnerability.
Keywords social media, mental health, anxiety, depression, digital addiction, cyberbullying, social comparison
Field Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On 2026-01-30
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.66209

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