Influence of Social Media on Anxiety, Depression, and Loneliness: A Review


Year : 2025 | Volume : 02 | Issue : 01 | Page : 22-27
    By

    Manushka Yagyasen,

  • Rushali Verma,

  • Sangeeta Kakkar,

  1. Master’s Student, Department of Psychology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
  2. Master’s Student, Department of Psychology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Social media is a daily tool for communication, entertainment, and information exchange for millions of individuals worldwide. However, worries regarding its possible detrimental effects on mental health have surfaced, especially about despair, anxiety, and loneliness.  This study’s goal was to examine the connection between mental health issues and social media use. It highlights the clear connection between elevated psychological discomfort—such as anxiety, depression symptoms, loneliness, and overuse of social media—and elevated levels of psychological discomfort. The study also examines significant factors including social comparison, FOMO, and online abuse that may aggravate feelings of anxiety and depression. A thorough search of the literature was conducted using a variety of resources, such as specialist academic databases, PubMed, and Google Scholar.  Research has shown that social media usage among teenagers and young adults increases their vulnerability to mental health problems including cyberbullying and harassment, which worsens their psychological pain. In addition, prolonged use of screens disrupts sleep patterns, leading to mental fatigue, and the compulsive qualities of social media can diminish face-to-face interactions and intensify emotions of isolation. To successfully address the harmful effects of social media on mental health, it is important to understand usage patterns, individual differences, and the social media ecosystem. Fostering a balanced connection with social media requires interventions that enhance digital literacy, good usage practices, and psychological support

Keywords: Anxiety, cyberbullying, depression, digital literacy, loneliness, social media.

[This article belongs to Recent Trends in Social Studies ]

How to cite this article:
Manushka Yagyasen, Rushali Verma, Sangeeta Kakkar. Influence of Social Media on Anxiety, Depression, and Loneliness: A Review. Recent Trends in Social Studies. 2025; 02(01):22-27.
How to cite this URL:
Manushka Yagyasen, Rushali Verma, Sangeeta Kakkar. Influence of Social Media on Anxiety, Depression, and Loneliness: A Review. Recent Trends in Social Studies. 2025; 02(01):22-27. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rtss/article=2025/view=195450


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 02
Issue 01
Received 21/11/2024
Accepted 15/01/2025
Published 25/01/2025
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