Social Networking Impacting Ones’ Mental Health: A Systematic Review “No Health without Mental Health”

Abstract

Background: The impact of social networking on mental health is a complex and evolving area of study. Social networking platforms can enhance social support networks by facilitating communication with friends, family, and like-minded individuals. Aims: The study’s aim was to synthesize the evidence-based literature on social networking and mental health by conducting a comprehensive review. This paper elucidates both the positive and negative effects of social networking on mental health, considering factors such as social support, self-esteem, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and overall psychological functioning. The paper provides insight on the mental health issues and information to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike, advancing our grasp of the intricate relationship between social networking and mental health. Methods: The current study has followed the PRISMA guidelines and is a descriptive one that was found by searching electronic databases (Scopus, Pub Med, ERIC, Web of Science, Shodhganga, Google scholar, and Research gate). The review protocol has not been published on PROSPERO. Result and conclusion of our findings reveal that social networking can have both beneficial and negative effects on a person’s mental health, with the majority of the study concentrating on the positive effects.