IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of social media platforms between 2023 and 2025 has 
significantly transformed patterns of social interaction, communication, and identity formation 
among youth. While these platforms facilitate connectivity and self-expression, growing 
concerns have emerged regarding their impact on mental health. This study investigates the 
relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes among youth through a 
primary data-based sociological approach. 
The research adopts a mixed-method design, combining quantitative survey data 
collected from 20 respondents aged 20–25 with qualitative insights derived from in-depth 
interviews. Key variables examined include frequency and type of social media usage, 
engagement patterns (active vs. passive use), and mental health indicators such as anxiety, 
stress, self-esteem, and depressive tendencies. Statistical tools such as correlation analysis and 
descriptive measures are employed alongside thematic analysis of qualitative responses. 
The findings indicate a significant association between excessive social media use and 
increased levels of anxiety, sleep disturbances, and reduced self-esteem, particularly among 
individuals engaging in passive consumption and social comparison behaviors. Conversely, 
moderate and purposeful usage—such as educational engagement and peer support—
demonstrates potential positive effects on well-being. The study also identifies variations 
across gender and socio-economic backgrounds, suggesting that the impact of social media is 
not uniform but mediated by broader social structures. 
Grounded in sociological frameworks such as Social Comparison Theory and Symbolic 
Interactionism, the research highlights how digital environments shape self-perception and 
emotional experiences. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for balanced digital 
practices, mental health awareness, and policy interventions targeting youth. It contributes to 
the expanding field of digital sociology by providing recent, primary-data-driven insights into 
the complex interplay between technology and mental health. 

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