The relationship between social media use and its impact on mental health in adolescents

Aim. To study the relationship between the use of various social networks and the mental health of adolescents, and to develop recommendations for reducing the impact of these factors of psychological stress. To identify optimal indicators for the use of social networks and maintaining psychological balance.
Methodology. A comprehensive mixed-methods were conducted, including a systematic literature review, meta-analysis, quantitative survey (n=1500, age 13–19 years), and semi-structured interviews (n=50). Standardized methods were used: Social Media Use Intensity Scale (SMUIS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7).
Results. A significant negative correlation was found between social media use intensity and selfesteem (r = -0.31, p < 0.001), as well as a positive correlation with anxiety levels (r = 0.33, p < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.28, p < 0.001). A curvilinear relationship was discovered between social media use and psychological well-being, where moderate use was associated with the most positive outcomes. Significant gender differences were identified: girls showed greater vulnerability to negative effects of social media (t (1498) = 7.42, p < 0.001).
Research implications. The data obtained confirms that parents’ assistance and participation in mastering the online sphere, the opportunity to talk about it openly helps to more easily adapt young people to social platforms. The data show that with the help of social platforms it is possible to influence the psyche and self-esteem of young people. This influence has non-linear indicators and is formed by different aspects containing different gender, age category, and character traits. Such data is especially important in practice, because it presents the need for partial restriction of social platforms in the lives of young people. Female adolescents have the greatest risks with negative impacts of social platforms on self-esteem, which is explained by the importance of comparison and evaluation of external parameters within this category.

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