Social media has recently become part of people's daily activities; many of them spend hours each day on Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, and other popular social media. Mental health is important at every stage of life. While studies have found a correlation between increased social media usage among young adults and a rise in mental health problems in this demographic, the specific mechanisms linking social media use to these changes remain unclear. This chapter aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and the mental health of young adults. To achieve this objective, the researcher review and consolidate existing literature on the characteristics of social media, the mental health of young adults, and current theories at the social and individual levels that could help explain this relationship.
TopIntroduction
Social media has recently become part of people's daily activities; many of them spend hours each day on Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, and other popular social media (Karim et.al., 2020). Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act, and it also influences how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is important at every stage of life. Mental disorders are common and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. These disorders can significantly impact a person's ability to function and lead a fulfilling life. It is essential to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed to promote overall well-being and quality of life. In recent decades, there has been a growing concern about the potential connection between the use of social media and mental health issues. While studies have found a correlation between increased social media usage among young adults and a rise in mental health problems in this demographic, the specific mechanisms linking social media use to these changes remain unclear. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and the mental health of young adults. To achieve this objective, the researcher review and consolidate existing literature on the characteristics of social media, the mental health of young adults, and current theories at the social and individual levels that could help explain this relationship (Strickland, 2014).
With the expansion of the internet, social media has emerged as a significant factor in societal changes. Social media encompasses various websites and tools that have evolved within the realm of modern media, including communication networks, the internet, and mobile phones. It can be categorized into seven main groups: social networks, blogs, wikis, podcasts, forums, content communities, and micro-blogs. Among these, social networks are the most prominent. Social networks serve as databases that enable users to share their interests, thoughts, and activities with others. Essentially, a social network is a collection of web-based services that empower individuals to create public or private profiles, communicate with other members of the network, share resources, and establish new connections (Sadagheyani and Tatari, 2020).