Abstract

This study examined the impact of social media consumption on mental health issues among emerging adults, with implications for health-seeking behavior. The study examined the extent of social media consumption, prevalent mental health problems experienced by emerging adults who heavily use social media, and the significant association between social media consumption and specific mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness among emerging adults. The study was carried out among emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who were voluntary participants. Research consent was given before being asked to participate in the study. The instrument for data collection was a modified and adapted Likert scale instrument with a Cronbach-Alfa result of.81, indicating the consistency of the instrument. Findings from the study established the regression model, which shows that “social media consumption” and “the effect of social media” have statistically significant effects on mental health issues. Higher social media consumption is associated with lower levels of mental health issues, while a greater effect of social media is associated with increased mental health issues (emotional problems and suicidal thoughts). Based on the findings, it was recommended that encouraging individuals to be mindful of their emotional responses to social media interactions could be beneficial, and additionally, mental health professionals could consider discussing social media usage patterns and their potential emotional effects during therapy sessions

Keywords

Social Media, Mental Health Issues, Emerging Adults