THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij0503103pKeywords:
mental health, health risks, social media, media literacy, infodemicAbstract
Despite a substantial body of research, findings concerning the complex and multi-layered impact of social media on youth health continue to exhibit a high degree of inconsistency. The literature frequently presents conflicting, and at times even diametrically opposed, conclusions regarding both the positive and negative effects of social media use. This heterogeneity of results underscores the fact that the multidimensional nature of the relationship between social media use and youth health remains insufficiently clarified, both theoretically and empirically, particularly with respect to contextual factors that shape patterns of use, as well as the implications such patterns have for behavior within digital, or virtual, environments.
Against the backdrop of these theoretical and empirical ambiguities, the primary aim of the present study is to provide a systematic analysis of existing scientific evidence on the effects of social media use on the mental health of young people. At the same time, the study seeks to identify key gaps in the current body of knowledge and to delineate directions and opportunities for future research in this field. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms through which different patterns of social media use give rise to divergent mental health outcomes.
In this context, the effective mitigation of potential health risks associated with social media use among youth, alongside the recognition, affirmation, and optimal utilization of its positive aspects, can be achieved only through the long-term, systematic, and interdisciplinary advancement of media literacy. Furthermore, it is essential to foster the development of an inclusive, safe, and supportive digital environment that promotes responsible technology use and empowers young individuals to engage in critical thinking and constructive participation within the contemporary media landscape.
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