The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Publication Date

Winter 2024

Trimester

Winter

Document Type

Dissertation

Department

Computer Science

Abstract

Social media has become an integral part of modern society, especially among young people. However, its effects on mental health are still unclear and controversial. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the existing literature on the impact of social media on mental health. We conducted a systematic review of studies published from 2010 to 2020, using the PRISMA guidelines. We searched six databases and identified 45 relevant articles that met our inclusion criteria. We categorized the studies into four themes: (1) the association between social media use and mental health outcomes, (2) the mediating and moderating factors that influence this association, (3) the potential mechanisms that explain how social media affects mental health, and (4) the interventions that target social media use to improve mental health. We found mixed and inconsistent evidence on the relationship between social media use and mental health, depending on the type, frequency, duration, and quality of social media use, as well as the individual and contextual factors that shape this relationship. We also identified several psychological and neurobiological processes that may underlie the impact of social media on mental health, such as social comparison, self-esteem, social support, cyberbullying, dopamine reward system, and sleep quality. Pressure Washing Salem Oregon Finally, we discussed the challenges and limitations of the current research, and suggested some directions for future studies and implications for practice.

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