Perception, use of social media, and its impact on the mental health of Indian adolescents: A qualitative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Mental illness is a health challenge faced by adolescents that has grown worse after the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Research on social media and young people’s mental health has recently increased, and numerous studies have examined whether frequent use of social media is linked to issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, frustration, feeling alone, and externalizing problems among adolescents. This influence of social media on adolescents’ lives is clear, with many platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube playing an important role in daily interactions and self-expression. Even though social media offers numerous benefits, such as connectivity and information sharing, excessive usage can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among adolescents.

AIM

To study the impact of social media on the mental wellbeing of adolescents, and the associated potential dangers in India.

METHODS

A total of 204 adolescents aged 14 years to 23 years were included in the study. This study explored the intricate relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health in India. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design to capture a snapshot of adolescent mental health and social media usage patterns. Data collection involved administering structured questionnaires and the analysis utilized quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Excessive use of social media is correlated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Adolescents engage in compulsive behaviors such as scrolling in the middle of the night, which negatively impacts their mental and physical health, and leads to significant sleep disruption. Findings from the study aim to provide insights into the current state of adolescent mental health and inform strategies to promote positive wellbeing in the Indian population.

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the need for further research to better understand the complex interplay between social media and adolescent mental health, and need for effective strategies to combat online harassment.

Key Words: Adolescents; Anxiety; Cyberbullying; Depression; Mental health; Social media

Core Tip: Mental illness is one of the health challenges that adolescents face these days, and it has grown worse after the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Research on social media and regarding the metal health of young people has increased recently. Numerous studies have examined whether frequent use of social media is linked to issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, frustration, feeling alone, and externalizing problems among adolescents. The pervasive influence of social media on adolescents’ lives is evident, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok playing a central role in daily interactions and self-expression. While social media offers numerous benefits, including connectivity and information sharing, excessive usage can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among adolescents. This study explores the intricate relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health in India. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design to capture a snapshot of adolescent mental health and social media usage patterns. Data collection involved administering structured questionnaires and the analysis utilized quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics. Findings from the study aim to provide insights into the current state of adolescent mental health and inform strategies to promote positive wellbeing in this population. Additionally, the study underscores the need for further research to better understand the complex interplay between social media and adolescent mental health.

INTRODUCTION

In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of everyday life, significantly influencing how individuals interact, communicate, and perceive the world. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among adolescents, a group characterized by their adaptability to new technologies and platforms. In India, the proliferation of smartphones and affordable internet has accelerated social media usage, making it a ubiquitous presence in the lives of young people.

Adolescents, during their formative years, are especially susceptible to external influences, and social media can play a pivotal role in shaping their perceptions, behaviors, and mental health. While social media offers numerous benefits, such as enhanced connectivity, access to information, and opportunities for self-expression, it also poses potential risks. These risks include exposure to cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, addiction, and other mental health challenges[1]. With the number of adolescents effectively taking an interest in these digital communities, social media has, in its very foundation, changed the way that we interact with one another and with the world around us. With that in mind, to begin with, social media, at its very core, has benefits that have transformed the way we communicate, learn, and are entertained.

Social media usage among Indian adolescents has seen exponential growth in recent years. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok (before its ban) are immensely popular. According to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), over 65% of internet users in India are between the ages of 12 years and 29 years, highlighting the significant presence of adolescents online (IAMAI, 2020). The primary motivations for social media use among adolescents include staying connected with friends and family, entertainment, and information seeking. A study by Sharma and Vyas[2] revealed that Indian adolescents often use social media to gain social validation and as a platform for self-expression. This desire for validation can sometimes lead to excessive use and dependence on social media.

Social media can have positive effects on adolescent mental health by providing platforms for support and community building. For instance, online support groups and mental health awareness pages can offer adolescents a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation[3]. Furthermore, creative expression through social media can enhance self-esteem and personal growth. However, the negative impacts of social media on mental health are more frequently documented. Studies indicate a strong correlation between excessive social media use and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among adolescents[4]. Factors contributing to these outcomes include cyberbullying, social comparison, and sleep disruption.

Positive impacts

Support networks: Longitudinal studies highlight the role of social media in maintaining support networks, particularly for adolescents dealing with mental health issues. A study by Singh and Gupta[5] found that adolescents who engaged with online support groups reported sustained improvements in their mental health over a 2-year period.

Self-esteem and identity formation: Social media platforms provide spaces for self-expression and identity exploration. Over time, this can lead to increased self-esteem and a stronger sense of identity, especially for those who receive positive feedback and support from peers[6].

Negative impacts

Increased anxiety and depression: Longitudinal data consistently show a correlation between high social media use and increased levels of anxiety and depression. A study by Farooq et al[7] followed adolescents over 3 years and found that those who spent more than 3 h per day on social media were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cyberbullying: The incidence of cyberbullying has been tracked over time, with longitudinal studies indicating a rising trend. Victims of cyberbullying often experience long-term psychological effects, including increased anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem[8].

Social comparison and body image issues: Adolescents frequently compare themselves to idealized images on social media, leading to negative body image and low self-esteem. A longitudinal study by Sharma[9] found that exposure to such content over a prolonged period exacerbates these issues, particularly among female adolescents.

Addiction and behavioral changes

Social media addiction: Longitudinal studies indicate that social media addiction can develop over time, with adolescents increasingly prioritizing online interactions over real-life engagements. This can lead to sleep disturbances, academic decline, and social isolation[10].

Behavioral shifts: Prolonged exposure to social media can result in behavioral changes, such as increased impulsivity and decreased attention span. A study tracked adolescents over 4 years and observed a decline in academic performance and face-to-face social interactions among heavy social media users[11].

Forensic analysis of the impact of social media on the mental health of Indian adolescents

A forensic analysis of the mental health of adolescents due to social media involves a comprehensive examination of the available evidence, research findings, and case studies to understand the complex relationship between social media usage and mental wellbeing. It involves five basic steps, which are detailed as follows.

Data collection: Provide an overview of the increasing prevalence of social media usage among adolescents globally and the growing concern about its potential impact on mental health. Discuss the importance of forensic analysis in understanding and addressing these issues[12].

Identification of key factors: (1) Duration and frequency of social media use; (2) Types of platforms and activities engaged in quality of online interactions and social support; (3) Exposure to cyberbullying, harassment, or negative content; (4) Comparison and self-esteem issues arising from social media use; and (5) Effects of excessive screen time on sleep patterns and overall wellbeing.

Assessment on impact on mental health: Investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of Indian adolescents. Identify both positive effects (e.g., social support, information access) and negative effects (e.g., cyberbullying, social comparison, sleep disturbances). Examine how these effects vary across different demographic groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Evaluation of intervention strategies: Assess the effectiveness of existing intervention strategies designed to mitigate the negative effects of social media on adolescent mental health. This may include school-based programs, parental guidance initiatives, mental health support services, and platform-specific measures implemented by social media companies[13].

Legal and ethical considerations: Discuss legal and ethical implications related to social media use among adolescents, including privacy concerns, data protection, online safety regulations, and the responsibility of social media platforms in safeguarding user wellbeing[14,15].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study population and data

A variety of questionnaires that reflect the emotional wellbeing of the individual and are correlated with social media usage were administered. Consent was provided by adolescents aged 14 years to 23 years, to a total of 204 participants. The Google forms with questionaries were distributed through different social media platforms to collect the information from the target population of adolescents.

Inclusion criteria: (1) Individuals under 23 and above 14; (2) Individuals who are active users of at least one social media platform (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, etc), for a period of time; and (3) Individuals who are proficient in the language in which the survey is conducted.

Exclusion criteria: (1) Individuals who are under 14 and above 23; (2) Individuals who are not an active user of social media or have not used social media in the past 6 months; (3) Individuals who are not proficient in the survey language; and (4) Individuals undergoing treatment for severe mental health issues.

Sample size: A total of 204 adolescents aged 14 years to 23 years were included in the study.

Data collection: Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing social media usage (hours per day, platform preference) and mental health outcomes (using standardized scales for depression, anxiety, and self-esteem).

Statistical analysis

The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, and data was analyzed using quantitative methods. A correlational analysis was utilized to reveal relationships between use of social media and wellbeing of Indian adolescents.

RESULTS

A total of 204 responses were received. The participation of females vs males according to age is depicted in Table 1. The percentage of female participants was very high compared to male participants; the age of the participant was high, between 20 years to 23 years, and most respondents used social media for 2–3 h per day. The values are shown in Figure 1A and B, emphasizing the increasing rate of social media usage by adolescents and the effect which the excessive screen time may cause on psychological wellbeing. A very high percentage of adolescents in the study experienced sleep disturbances due to late-night social media usage, as depicted in Figure 1B. All these findings highlight the requirement for focused interventions aimed at encouraging good social media habits and the reduction of negative impacts of digital media exposure on adolescents’ mental wellbeing. Among the 204 adolescents surveyed, a high percentage of participants felt pressure to maintain an image on social media platforms, as shown in Figure 1C and D. In total, 29.4% of the respondents strongly agreed with the statement that they were forced to adhere to society’s perceived norms of attractiveness, success, and popularity that are transmitted via digital platforms. Also, 27% of participants agreed moderately with a statement showing the omnipresent effect of social media on young people’s self-perceptions and identity formations. These findings explain the crippling effect of social media on adolescents’ mental health and the negative implications that are associated with the comparison culture and unattainable beauty standards of online platforms. With a very high percentage of adolescents having been negatively influenced in self-esteem and body image, as indicated in Figure 1D, the urge to project the perfect online personality increases feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-esteem among vulnerable people, which may lead to a myriad of mental health problems. On balancing online and offline life, a large percentage among the surveyed adolescents reported having difficulties. It is clear that 21.6% strongly agree and 38.2% moderately agree with the statement, as shown in Figure 1E. The findings indicate that there is a critical problem among young people when it comes to finding limits between digital engagement and real-world interaction. Not being able to attain a balance between online and offline activities might have serious implications for the mental health and general wellbeing of adolescents.

Figure 1 Data distribution. A: Time spent on social media; B: Sleep disturbance; C: Under-pressure scenario due to social media; D: Negative influence of social media on self-esteem; E: Challenging balance online and offline; F: Feeling of anxiety or stress due to followers, likes, or comments; G: Fear of being judged or criticized on social media; H: Cyberbullying on social media; I: Witness instances of cyberbullying on social media.

Table 1 Demographic data according to distinct age group.

Variable	Statement	Percentage
Sex	Male	46.1
	Female	48
	Prefer not to say	5.9
Age in years	14-16	16.2
	17-19	33.8
	20-23	50
Average time spend on social media in h	< 1	19.6
	2–3	32.
	4–5	28.4
	> 5	19.1
	12	0.5

Most adolescents responded that they have felt anxiety or stress related to their participation in social media. It was observed that 18.6% strongly agree and 36.3% moderately agree that they have felt pressure related to the number of followers, likes, or comments they get on social media, as shown in Figure 1F. A high percentage of adolescents do not post their opinions on social media because they do not want to be judged or criticized. Herein, 24% of total respondents strongly agree, and 29.4% moderately agree, as shown in Figure 1G.

DISCUSSION

The increasing adoption and changing patterns of social media use among Indian adolescents highlight the rapid integration of these platforms into their daily lives. As platforms evolve and new ones emerge, adolescents’ engagement with social media continues to grow. This trend is driven by several factors, including greater accessibility to smartphones and the internet, the dynamic nature of social media platforms, and the intrinsic motivation for social interaction and self-expression.

The shift in platform preferences from Facebook to more visually oriented platforms like Instagram and Snapchat indicates a preference for more engaging and interactive content. This change reflects broader global trends and suggests that Indian adolescents are not isolated in their digital behaviors, but are part of a global youth culture. Adolescents’ motivations for using social media have expanded beyond mere connectivity to include content creation, information consumption, and participation in online communities. This shift signifies a deeper integration of social media into various aspects of adolescents’ lives, from leisure activities to information sourcing. The pressure of continuous availability and excessive usage of social media has generated concerns regarding the adverse impacts of digital media exposure such as increased stress, anxiety, and depression among excessive users. Moreover, these findings indicate the addictive nature of social media platforms as many youths were addicted to compulsive behaviors like midnight scrolling, which badly affects their mental and physical health, and they prefer online connections and communications over in-person social contact[16].

These findings explain the crippling effect of social media on adolescents’ mental health and the negative implications that are associated with the comparison culture and unattainable beauty standards in online platforms[17]. Digital immersion and excessive screen time may take away time that should be spent with face-to-face socialization, physical activity, and other offline activities necessary for healthy development[18]. The data results reveal an alarming aspect of the pervasive influence of social media metrics on the mental wellbeing of adolescents. It shows that the quest for online validation and approval is a major source of stress and anxiety for young people[19]. Perhaps social media, emphasizing metrics like the number of followers, likes, and comments, brings feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and self-doubt among adolescents, who incessantly assess their worth and popularity from such measures[9,20]. Thus, the impact that social media exerts on readiness to voice thoughts and opinions by adolescents in online spaces is highlighted. Because of the fear of being judged or criticized, a barrier to self-expression emerges, which constrains people from voicing their viewpoints or makes them conform to the prevalent norms and expectations[21].

The fear of social backlash or ostracism of online reputation leads people to withhold self-expression and opinions. This is the fear of being judged on social media, acting like a pernicious factor for the mental health of adolescents because of self-censorship, social anxiety, and loss of self-confidence[22,23]. It influences adolescents to have more pro-mainstream opinions or just avoid controversial topics; limiting the number of perspectives and discourses within online communities. Indeed, 16.7% strongly agree and 28.9% agree with the opinion that this has happened to them, as shown in Figure 1H. These results show how often cyberbullying persists in digital spaces and why proactive measures against this major problem are important[24]. Cyberbullying includes all forms of harassment, intimidation, and abuse that happen through digital channels like social media platforms, messaging applications, and online forums[25]. Victims of cyberbullying often meet a list of negative repercussions, including psychological distress, social exclusion, and decreased self-esteem. That this proportion of adolescents reported having faced cyberbullying suggests that preventing and addressing online harassment should be at the heart of strategies. Combating cyberbullying requires the collaboration of schools, parents, and digital platforms to promote digital literacy, create a culture of empathy and respect, and support victims. Educating young minds and adolescents about responsible online behavior, encouraging bystanders to act, and reporting cyberbullying incidents are the major ways to make a safer digital environment. Additionally, 27% strongly agree and 37.3% agree that they have seen someone being cyberbullied on social media; this proves how social media is becoming a dangerous place for young minds and adolescents, as shown in Figure 1I. These facts, on the whole, present general evidence that pervasive effects of social media on youth demand targeted interventions that promote healthier online habits and minimize debilitating effects of the medium. These include digital health through healthy use, authentic self-expression, resilience to online pressures, and ways of countering cyberbullying in an effective manner, to keep the young generation healthy in body and mind amidst the digital era.

Development of AI-powered monitoring tools

Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools that monitor social media usage patterns and identify early signs of mental health issues need to be developed.

AI-driven personalized interventions

The effectiveness of AI-driven personalized mental health interventions delivered through social media platforms needs to be determined.

Sentiment analysis for early detection

Research should be conducted on the use of sentiment analysis to detect negative emotional states in social media posts and provide timely support.

AI-enhanced cyberbullying prevention

AI systems need to be developed to detect and prevent cyberbullying on social media platforms.

Virtual mental health assistants

The use of AI-powered virtual mental health assistants that provide immediate support and resources to adolescents experiencing distress should be explored.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between social media use and mental health among Indian adolescents is multifaceted. It is essential to recognize both the positive and negative aspects of social media, and to adopt strategies to mitigate potential harm while maximizing the benefits. This includes promoting digital literacy, fostering healthy online behavior, providing mental health support services, and encouraging balanced use of social media platforms. Additionally, further research is needed to understand the specific cultural and contextual factors influencing the impact of social media on the mental wellbeing of Indian adolescents.