Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health

Purpose/Aim: The purpose of this project was to investigate whether social media use by adolescents and young adults has an impact on their mental health, including depression and anxiety. The question we asked was “In adolescents and young adults, what is the impact of social media on mental health outcomes (depression and anxiety)?” Background: Around the world, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, with many of those also suffering from anxiety. In addition, WHO suggests that depression and anxiety have a major economic impact, costing the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity. Recent statistics indicate the close to half of teens age 15-17 say they are on the internet “almost constantly”. More than nine-in-ten are social media users. Many have raised concerns on social media today and its effect on mental health and general functioning of adolescents and young adults. Research has been done to determine if there is a correlation between social media use and depression and anxiety in this same group. Conclusion: Evidences clearly states that there is a correlation between the increased use of social media by adolescents and young adults and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Efforts should be made to educate health care providers about the link in their adolescent clientele. Nurses can be instrumental in improving mental health outcomes through screening and education