BRIHAN MAHARASHTRA

COLLEGE OF COMMERCE
(BMCC)
Impact of Social Media on Mental
Health

A research project report conducted by Tanmay Desarda of T.Y.B.com (Hons)

under the guidance of Manjusha Wadkar Ma’am

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 Sr No. Index Page No.
1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3
2 DECLARATION 4
3 INTRODUCTION 5
4 LITERATURE REVIEW 7
5 DEFINITIONS 10
6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 11
7 HYPOTHESES 11
8 DATA ANALYSIS 12
9 DATA INTERPRETATION 22
10 CONCLUSION 23
11 BIBLIOGRAPHY & WEBLIOGRAPHY 25

Table of Contents

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Manjusha Ma’am for her tremendous
support and assistance in the completion of my project. I would also like to thank my principal
for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to work on a research paper where I could
obtain a deeper understanding of the given topic. I also present my gratitude to the respondents
for providing me with all the answers. The completion of the paper would not have been possible
without their help and insights.

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Declaration

I hereby declare that the research paper that I submitted under the title "Impact of Social Media
on Mental Health" under Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce is original to me and hasn't
been submitted to any other university or institution previously in order to fulfil requirements for
any course of study.

Furthermore, I certify that no chapter of this report, in whole or in part, has been borrowed from
any previous work I or others have done.

Nonetheless, all material utilized for this research has been appropriately recognized, with
information of the relevant works included in the references.

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Introduction
In the digital age, social media has appeared as a powerful force influencing the way we link,
communicate, and interact with the world around us. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, and LinkedIn have combined themselves into the fabric of daily life, offering
unparalleled access to information and enabling global connectivity. Social media platforms
allow users to share personal experiences, express opinions, and stay informed about current
events in present, thus playing a crucial role in determining public discourse and individual
identities.

However, as social media continues to grow, there arises some concerns about its potential
impact on mental health. The dynamic nature of social media, characterized by continuous
updates, instant feedback, and vast networks of connections, creates an environment that is both
interesting and, at times, overwhelming. The line between online and offline life becomes
increasingly blurred, making it essential to understand how these digital interactions influence a
person’s mental health.

The relationship between social media use and mental health is complex and multi-layered,
surrounding a wide range of experiences and outcomes. On one hand, social media provides
numerous benefits: it allows people to maintain relationships across distances, access diverse
communities, find emotional support, and express themselves creatively. Social media can foster
a sense of belonging, provide platforms for sidelined voices, and offer opportunities for
professional networking and personal growth. Furthermore, during times of crisis, social media
can be a vital tool for broadcasting information and assembling support.

On the other hand, there many evidences suggesting that excessive or inappropriate use of social
media may contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and
reduced self-esteem. The constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can lead to
negative social comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, the anonymity of online
interactions can sometimes result in cyberbullying and harassment, further worsening mental
health issues. The addictive nature of social media, driven by algorithms designed to maximize
user engagement, can also lead to problematic usage patterns that interfere with daily life and
well-being.

This research project seeks to explore this complex relationship by investigating how social
media influences mental health, both positively and negatively. Through a comprehensive review
of existing literature, empirical studies, and user surveys, this project aims to shed light on the
various dimensions of social media's impact on mental well-being. By examining diverse
perspectives and experiences, this study endeavors to provide a balanced understanding of the
potential risks and benefits associated with social media use.

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Understanding the impact of social media on mental health is crucial for several reasons. Firstly,
it can inform the development of strategies and interventions to mitigate the negative effects of
social media on psychological well-being. Secondly, it can help individuals make more informed
choices about their social media use, promoting healthier and more mindful engagement with
these platforms. Lastly, it can contribute to the broader discourse on digital literacy and mental
health, fostering a more supportive and informed online environment.

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Literature Review
The impact of social media on mental health is a rapidly growing field of research, reflecting the
profound influence that these platforms have on contemporary life. This literature review creates
findings from a diverse array of studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the
relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. The review is organized into
several key areas: the prevalence and patterns of social media use, the negative impacts of social
media on mental health, the positive aspects of social media, and the moderating factors that
influence these outcomes.

Prevalence and Patterns of Social Media Use

Social media platforms have become common, with billions of users worldwide. As per the latest
data from Statista (2023), approximately 33% of the Indian population reports using at least one
social media site. Usage patterns vary significantly across different demographic groups. Young
adults, particularly those aged 18-29, are the most active users, with nearly 84% reporting
regular use. Gender differences have also been observed, with women tending to use social
media for maintaining relationships, while men more often use it for information and
entertainment.

Social media usage is characterized by its intensity and frequency. The average user spends
about 2.5 hours per day on social media, engaging in activities such as browsing feeds, posting
content, and interacting with others. The nature of engagement also varies; some users are more
passive, consuming content without interacting, while others are highly active, frequently posting
and commenting.

Negative Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health

A substantial body of research highlights the potential negative effects of social media on mental
health. These include increased levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and decreased self-
esteem.

Anxiety and Depression

Several studies have found a correlation between high levels of social media use and increased
anxiety and depression. Primack et al. (2017) found that young adults who spend more than two
hours per day on social media are more likely to report poor mental health outcomes, including
symptoms of anxiety and depression. This relationship is partly mediated by the phenomenon of
social comparison, where users compare their lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others,
leading to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

Loneliness
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Despite being designed to connect people, social media can paradoxically contribute to feelings
of loneliness. A study by Hunt, Marx, Lipson, and Young (2018) demonstrated that reducing
social media use significantly decreased feelings of loneliness and depression in young adults.
The study suggests that passive consumption of social media, without active engagement or
meaningful interactions, can lead to social isolation.

Positive Aspects of Social Media

Contrary to the negative impacts, social media can also have beneficial effects on mental health.
These benefits often stem from the ability to maintain social connections, access social support,
and engage in self-expression.

Social Support and Community Building

Social media provides platforms for individuals to find and connect with supportive
communities, especially for those who may feel isolated in their offline lives. For example,
online support groups for mental health conditions can offer valuable resources and emotional
support. A study by Naslund, Aschbrenner, Marsch, and Bartels (2016) found that social media
can facilitate peer support and reduce feelings of isolation among individuals with serious mental
illnesses.

Enhanced Well-Being and Positive Interactions

Positive interactions on social media, such as receiving supportive comments and likes, can
enhance well-being and foster a sense of belonging. Research by Burke and Kraut (2016)
suggests that directed communication (e.g., comments, messages) rather than passive
consumption (e.g., scrolling through feeds) is associated with increased social capital and
emotional support, leading to improved mental health outcomes.

Self-Expression and Identity Formation

Social media allows for creative self-expression and exploration of identity, which can be
particularly beneficial for adolescents and young adults. According to a study by Manago,
Graham, Greenfield, and Salimkhan (2008), social media provides a space for users to explore
different aspects of their identity and receive feedback from their peers, which can be a crucial
part of personal development and self-esteem.

Moderating Factors
The impact of social media on mental health is not uniform and can be influenced by various
moderating factors, including the nature of use, individual differences, and contextual variables.

Nature of Use

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How individuals use social media significantly affects their mental health outcomes. Passive use,
such as scrolling through feeds without interacting, is generally associated with negative
outcomes, while active use, such as engaging in conversations and creating content, tends to
have more positive effects (Verduyn et al., 2017).

Individual Differences

Personal characteristics, such as personality traits and pre-existing mental health conditions, can
moderate the effects of social media. For example, people with high levels of neuroticism or
those already experiencing mental health issues may be more vulnerable to the negative impacts
of social media (Marino et al., 2018).

Contextual Variables

The context in which social media use occurs also plays a role. Cultural background, social
norms, and the specific features of different social media platforms can influence how social
media affects mental health. For instance, collectivist cultures may experience different social
dynamics on social media compared to individualist cultures (Xie & Kang, 2015).

Definitions

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Social Media:

Social media refers to a broad range of online platforms and applications that facilitate the
creation, sharing, and exchange of information, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression
through virtual communities and networks. These platforms enable users to interact with one
another, form connections, and participate in discussions across various formats, including text,
images, audio, and video.

Mental Health:

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how
individuals think, feel, and behave, and it plays a critical role in determining how they handle
stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from
childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Self-Esteem:

Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall sense of self-worth or personal value. It reflects a

person's subjective evaluation of their own worthiness, abilities, and overall identity. Self-esteem
influences various aspects of a person's life, including their relationships, decision-making
processes, and mental health.

Anxiety:

Anxiety is a natural and often necessary emotional response to stress or danger, characterized by
feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. It becomes a disorder when these feelings are excessive,
persistent, and interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

Depression:

Depression is a common and serious mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings
of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect a person's
thoughts, behavior, mood, and physical health.

Isolation:

Isolation refers to a state of being separated from others, either physically or emotionally,
resulting in a lack of social interaction or meaningful connections. It can occur voluntarily or
involuntarily and can have significant implications for mental and emotional well-being.

Research Methodology
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Primary data from 80 persons was collected through a questionnaire to understand the impact of
social media on their mental health and behaviour.
The questions were a mixture of both quantitative and qualitative questions.

Hypotheses:
Null Hypothesis (H0):
There is no Negative impact of Social Media on Mental Health.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a Negative impact of Social Media on Mental Health.

Data Analysis:
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The age group of respondents are predominantly between 18-24 years, followed by 25-34 years,
with a few under 18 years and above 45 years.

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Majority of respondents are Student, followed by Self-employed and then Employed.

Most respondents have their Bachelor’s Degree, followed by Respondents from college, then
some of the respondents are currently in college, with few of the respondents below college and
few having Doctorate or Higher level of Education

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Popular Social Media Platforms are Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn and Facebook. Twitter and
some other platforms are also common among the respondents.

Respondents typically spend 2-4 hours or 1-2 hours per day on social media platforms, with
some spending more than 4 hours and few spending less than 1 hour.

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The primary purpose of respondents using social media is for Entertainment, Getting News and
Information and Connecting with Friends and Family. Also Sharing Content and Learning New
Things are some common purposes of using social media.

More than 73% respondents feel overwhelmed by social media some way or the other.

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52% of respondents don’t compare or rarely compare their life to others on social media.

50% of respondents don’t allow social media to affect their self-esteem, while 25% of the
respondents have negative affect on their self-esteem and 24% respondents have positive affect
of social media on their self-esteem.

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More than 50% respondents experience anxiety related to social media use.

Most of the respondents don’t experience depression related to social media use.

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75% of respondent’s sleep patterns get impacted due to use of social media somewhat and
significantly.

54% of respondent don’t feel isolated or rarely feel isolated while 45% respondents sometimes or
often feel isolated due to social media.

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Commonly used strategies by respondents are limiting screen time and engaging in offline
activities to manage negative feelings from social media.

Most of the respondents think or somewhat think that there are some positive mental health
benefits from using social media.

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Some of the common positive benefits which majority of respondents experience are Educational
Content and Entertainment and relaxation.

Majority of respondents believe that impact of social media on mental health is neutral.

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76% of the respondents agree or strongly agree that social media companies should take more
responsibility in managing the mental health impacts of their platforms.

Most common changes which respondents want to see on social media platforms are Better
content moderation and Algorithms promoting positive content to improve mental health.

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Data Interpretation:
Sample Description:

 Total Respondents: 80 individuals participated in the survey.

 Demographics: The sample includes a diverse range of ages (from 18 to 50+), with
varying levels of social media usage across different platforms.

Key Findings:
Prevalence of Social Media Use:

 Usage Frequency: 100% of respondents report using social media daily, with 14% using
it multiple times a day.
 Platform Preference: Instagram and Snapchat are the most popular platforms, where 91%
of respondents use Instagram and 46% of respondents use Snapchat.

Negative Impacts on Mental Health:

 Anxiety and Stress: 51% of respondents indicate that social media use contributes to
feelings of anxiety and stress, particularly due to comparison with others.
 Depression: 30% report experiencing symptoms of depression related to social media use,
such as feelings of inadequacy and isolation.

Positive Aspects of Social Media:

 Social Support: 70% of respondents use social media to connect with friends and family,
finding it helpful for maintaining relationships.
 Information Access: 71% use social media for news and information, finding it
convenient and timely.

Factors Influencing Mental Health Impact:

 Age and Usage Patterns: Younger respondents (18-29) are more likely to report negative
mental health impacts, while older adults (30+) tend to use social media for practical
purposes like news and networking.
 Gender Differences: Women are more likely to report negative emotional responses to
social media, particularly related to self-esteem.

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Conclusion:
The research project on the impact of social media on mental health has generated significant
insights into the complex relationship between digital engagement and psychological well-being.
The findings highlight the influence of social media platforms on various aspects of mental
health, particularly highlighting the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation
among users.

Key Findings
Anxiety and Depression:

A substantial portion of respondents reported various levels of anxiety and depression associated
with their social media use. The constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles, attached
with the pressure to maintain a organized online presence, contributes significantly to these
negative emotions.

Feelings of Isolation:

Despite the connective nature of social media, many users experience deep feelings of isolation.
Passive consumption of content, as contrasting to active engagement, worsens these feelings, as
users often compare themselves harshly to the seemingly perfect lives presented by others.

Social Comparison and Self-Esteem:

Social comparison is a critical factor in the impact of social media on mental health. Users
frequently compare their lives to those of others, leading to reduced self-esteem and feelings of
inadequacy. This is highly seen among younger users, who are more prone to these comparisons.

Recommendations
To mitigate the negative impact of social media on mental health, several strategies can be
implemented:

Digital Literacy and Education:

Promoting digital literacy and educating users about the potential mental health risks related with
social media use can allow individuals to engage more mindfully with these platforms.

Mental Health Resources:

Integrating accessible mental health resources and support services within social media platforms
can provide immediate assistance to users experiencing distress.

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Platform Design and Policy Changes:

Promoting for changes in social media platform design to prioritize user well-being, such as
implementing features that promote positive interactions and reduce the emphasis on social
comparison, can create a healthier online environment.

Encouraging Active Engagement:

Encouraging users to engage actively rather than passively with social media can foster more
meaningful connections and reduce feelings of isolation.

Final Thoughts
The findings of this research project highlight the urgent need to address the impact of social
media on mental health. While social media offers numerous benefits, its potential harms cannot
be ignored. By adopting a balanced approach that promotes healthy usage patterns and provides
adequate support, we can harness the positive aspects of social media while safeguarding mental
well-being.

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Bibliography and Webliography
https://www.statista.com/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28279545/

https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/10.1521/jscp.2018.37.10.751

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26744309/

https://academic.oup.com/jcmc/article/21/4/265/4161784

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-16502-005

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
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Being_A_Critical_Review_Do_Social_Network_Sites_Enhance_or_Undermine_Subjective_Wel
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29024900/

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/See-you%2C-see-me%3A-Teenagers'-self-disclosure-
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