The Role of Social Media in Mental Health in College Students: Impact and Intervention Strategies

Abstract

The impact of social media on the mental health of college students is a topic of growing concern and study today. Social media has transformed the way students communicate, engage, and access information, but it also poses significant challenges to their psychological well-being. Numerous studies have highlighted both the positive and negative effects of social media on the mental health of this demographic. On the one hand, social media can provide a platform for social connection, emotional support, and self-expression, which can benefit mental health. However, excessive or problematic use of social media has also been associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem in college students. Constant comparison with others, exposure to negative or harmful content, and the feeling of always being connected can all contribute to these problems. Faced with this reality, various intervention strategies have been proposed to address the negative impacts of social media on the mental health of university students. These strategies include awareness programs on the healthy use of social media, promoting coping skills and resilience, fostering offline social relationships, and implementing university policies that promote a safer and healthier digital environment. © 2024 Seventh Sense Research Group.