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Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health within Adolescent and Student Populations during COVID-19 Pandemic: Review

Author

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  • Marija Draženović

    (Leadership and Management of Health Services, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Tea Vukušić Rukavina

    (Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Lovela Machala Poplašen

    (Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our lives. By increased screen time during the pandemic, social media (SM) could have significantly impacted adolescents’ and students’ mental health (MH). This literature review aims to synthesize the research on the impact of SM usage on MH of adolescents and students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A review of the published literature was conducted in April 2021, through a search of PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection databases. The search yielded 1136 records, with 13 articles selected for this review. Most of the included studies observed the negative impact of SM use on MH of adolescents and students, most noticeably observed were anxiety, depression and stress. More active and prolonged SM usage was associated with a negative impact on MH of adolescents and students. Two studies recorded some potentially positive effects, such as support in coping and providing a sense of connection for those who were isolated due to social distancing measures. Since this review focuses on the early period of the pandemic, future studies should investigate the long-term impact of SM use on adolescents and students MH, with all relevant elements that can enable adequate public health response.

Suggested Citation

  • Marija Draženović & Tea Vukušić Rukavina & Lovela Machala Poplašen, 2023. "Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health within Adolescent and Student Populations during COVID-19 Pandemic: Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3392-:d:1069106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elena Bozzola & Giulia Spina & Rino Agostiniani & Sarah Barni & Rocco Russo & Elena Scarpato & Antonio Di Mauro & Antonella Vita Di Stefano & Cinthia Caruso & Giovanni Corsello & Annamaria Staiano, 2022. "The Use of Social Media in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review on the Potential Risks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-33, August.
    2. Eleanor Bailey & Alexandra Boland & Imogen Bell & Jennifer Nicholas & Louise La Sala & Jo Robinson, 2022. "The Mental Health and Social Media Use of Young Australians during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Saijun Zhang & Meirong Liu & Yeefay Li & Jae Eun Chung, 2021. "Teens’ Social Media Engagement during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Time Series Examination of Posting and Emotion on Reddit," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-17, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Olaosebikan, Olusola Isaac (Ph.D.) & Olorunyomi, Titilope Adetilewa (Ph.D.), 2023. "Effect of Electronic and Digital Media Use on the Health of Adolescents in Ondo City," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(11), pages 1745-1758, November.
    2. Sissela B. Nutley & Jonas Burén & Lisa B. Thorell, 2023. "COVID-19 Restrictions Resulted in Both Positive and Negative Effects on Digital Media Use, Mental Health, and Lifestyle Habits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(16), pages 1-13, August.

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