Impact of Daily Social Media Usage on Adolescent Mental Health: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage marked by psychological vulnerability, and in today’s digital age, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping adolescent behavior and mental health. While social platforms offer avenues for interaction and expression, excessive usage has been linked to adverse psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and stress [1][2]. This study investigates the correlation between daily social media use and mental health outcomes among adolescents in Bihar, India. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Katihar Medical College & Hospital, Bihar, India, over a 9-month period, involving 80 adolescents aged 13–19 years. Participants were divided into two groups based on social media usage: Group A (<2 hours/day) and Group B (>2 hours/day). Mental health was assessed using the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale) [3]. Data were collected through structured interviews and self-report questionnaires. Results: Among the 80 participants, 42 were in Group A and 38 in Group B. Adolescents in Group B showed significantly higher levels of psychological distress, with 65.7% exhibiting moderate to severe symptoms of at least one disorder, compared to 28.6% in Group A. Mean DASS-21 scores were substantially higher for depression, anxiety, and stress in Group B [1][4][5]. Conclusion: This study reinforces the growing body of evidence linking excessive social media use with deteriorating mental health in adolescents [6][7]. The findings emphasize the importance of promoting healthy digital habits and incorporating awareness initiatives in schools and families to mitigate the negative psychological impacts of prolonged social media exposure.