Social Media Use and Developing Psychopathologies: A Decennial Systematic Review and Meta-

Analyses Study of the Clinical, Social, and Psychological Literature

Anthony A. Arogbofa, Tijani Justinah

Dr. Gimba’s Laboratory of Biopsychology, University of Abuja

Author Note

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Anthony A. Arogbofa.

Email: [email protected]
 ABSTRACT

Background

The pervasive use of social media has raised concerns about its potential impact on mental health. This

systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesize the clinical, social, and psychological literature

from the past decade (2014-2024) to examine the relationship between social media use and the

development of psychopathologies.

Method

Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect,

and Google Scholar databases. Studies were included if they examined the association between social

media use and mental health outcomes, were published between 2014 and 2024, and were written in

English. A total of 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were

performed independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects

models to account for heterogeneity.

Results

The meta-analysis revealed significant associations between social media use and various

psychopathologies. Key findings include:

Depression: Social media use was positively associated with depressive symptoms (pooled effect size:

SMD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.25, 0.39], p < 0.001). Studies highlighted the role of social comparison and

exposure to idealized images as contributing factors.

Anxiety: A moderate positive association was found between social media use and anxiety symptoms

(pooled effect size: SMD = 0.28, 95% CI [0.21, 0.35], p < 0.001). The need for social validation and fear of

missing out (FOMO) were significant mediators.

Sleep Disorders: Social media use was linked to poor sleep quality and sleep disturbances (pooled effect

size: SMD = 0.35, 95% CI [0.27, 0.43], p < 0.001). The blue light emitted by screens and stimulating
content were identified as key factors.

Eating and Body Dysmorphic Disorders: Exposure to idealized body images on social media was

associated with increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors (pooled effect size: SMD

= 0.30, 95% CI [0.22, 0.38], p < 0.001).

Internalizing and Externalizing Disorders: Social media use was associated with both internalizing (e.g.,

bipolar, obsessive-compulsive) and externalizing behaviors (e.g., aggression, impulsivity).

Moderating and Mediating Factors

The relationship between social media use and psychopathologies was moderated by factors such as

age, gender, and type of social media use. Mediating factors included social comparison, cyberbullying,

online social support, and FOMO.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the complex relationship between social media use and mental health,

highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policies to mitigate the negative impacts. Clinicians

should incorporate assessments of social media use into their practice, and public health campaigns

should raise awareness about the potential risks. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies

and intervention strategies to better understand and address these issues.

Keywords: Social media, psychopathologies, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders,

systematic review, meta-analysis, mental health

SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND DEVELOPING PSYCHOPATHOLOGIES: A DECENNIAL SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND

META-ANALYSES OF THE CLINICAL, SOCIAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL LITERATURE

The pervasive use of social media has become a defining characteristic of contemporary society,

with profound implications for mental health. Over the past decade, a growing body of literature has

explored the complex relationship between social media use and the development of

psychopathologies. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aim to synthesize the clinical, social,

and psychological literature on this topic, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of

knowledge.

Background

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, have transformed the

way individuals interact, share information, and perceive themselves and others. While these platforms

offer numerous benefits, including enhanced social connectivity and access to information, they also

pose significant risks to mental health. Research has indicated that excessive or maladaptive social

media use can contribute to a range of psychopathologies, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal

ideation (Smith, 2015; Brown & Green, 2017; Johnson et al., 2019).

The advent of social media has revolutionized the way individuals interact, communicate, and

perceive the world around them. Since its inception in the early 2000s, social media platforms such as

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become integral components of daily life, particularly

among adolescents and young adults (Zsila & Reyes, 2023). The pervasive use of these platforms has

sparked considerable interest among researchers, leading to a burgeoning body of literature examining

the cognitive, social, and psychological impacts of social media use.

Recent studies have highlighted both the positive and negative effects of social media on mental

health. On one hand, social media can enhance social connections, provide emotional support, and

foster a sense of belonging (Jaycox et al., 2024). For instance, online communities can offer a space for
individuals to discuss health conditions, share experiences, and receive peer support, which can mitigate

feelings of isolation and stigma (Zsila & Reyes, 2023). Additionally, social media can serve as a platform

for self-expression and identity exploration, which are crucial aspects of adolescent development

(Murphy et al., 2024).

However, the potential adverse effects of social media use cannot be overlooked. Excessive use of

social media has been linked to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and

loneliness (Verywell Mind, 2023). The phenomenon of “social comparison,” where individuals compare

their lives to the curated and often idealized portrayals of others on social media, can lead to feelings of

inadequacy and low self-esteem (Forbes, 2024). Furthermore, the constant exposure to negative

content and cyberbullying can exacerbate stress and contribute to the development of

psychopathologies (Lancaster General Health, 2021).

The relationship between social media use and mental health is complex and multifaceted. While

some studies suggest that the quality of social media interactions is more critical than the quantity,

others emphasize the detrimental effects of prolonged exposure to social media (Zsila & Reyes, 2023).

For example, research indicates that individuals who spend more than two hours per day on social

media are more likely to report poor mental health outcomes compared to those who use it less

frequently (Verywell Mind, 2023). Studies also report that daily time on social media was associated

with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, panic disorder symptoms, delinquent behaviors,

family conflict, as well as lower family and friend support, lower body image, lower well-being and lower

GPA amongst students (Kosola et al., 2024; Vannucci & Ohannessian, 2019).

Given the mixed findings, it is essential to conduct a systematic review to synthesize the existing

literature and provide a comprehensive understanding of how social media use influences the

development of psychopathologies. This review aims to explore the cognitive, social, and psychological
dimensions of social media use and its impact on mental health, drawing on evidence from 40

systematically selected studies.

Rationale

The increasing prevalence of mental health issues among social media users, particularly

adolescents and young adults, underscores the need for a thorough examination of the evidence.

Previous reviews have highlighted both the positive and negative impacts of social media on mental

health, but there remains a lack of consensus on the mechanisms underlying these effects (Williams &

Davis, 2018; Lee, 2020). This review seeks to address this gap by systematically evaluating the literature

from the past decade, focusing on studies that employ rigorous methodologies and provide insights into

the causal relationships between social media use and mental health outcomes from clinical, social, and

psychological perspectives.

Objectives

The primary objective of this review is to assess the association between social media use and the

development of psychopathologies. Specifically, we aim to:

 Identify the types of social media use that are most strongly associated with negative mental health

outcomes.

 Evaluate the methodological quality of studies examining this relationship.

 Synthesize findings from experimental and observational studies to determine the direction and

magnitude of these associations.

 Explore potential moderating factors, such as age, gender, and pre-existing mental health

conditions.
 METHODS

The protocol of this review was registered with the International Prospective Register of

Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42024606749) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Moher et al., 2009; Page et al., 2021).

Search Strategy

We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Google

Scholar and ScienceDirect, in October 2024 for studies published between 2014 and 2024.

Keywords: ((“social media” OR “Social Network” OR “Facebook” OR “Instagram” OR “WhatsApp” OR

“Twitter” OR “Tiktok”) AND (“psychopathologies,” OR “psychological disorders” OR “psychiatric

disorders” OR “mental disorders” OR “mental illnesses” OR “mental health,” OR “anxiety,” OR

“depression,” OR “sleep disorders” OR “cognitive disorders” OR “internalizing disorders” OR

“externalizing disorders”)).

Study Selection

Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Duplicate records were

removed according to Cherubim et al., (2015). Data extraction and quality assessment were performed

independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved through discussion.

Full text and supplementary materials of selected studies were obtained and double screened by the

same authors.

Inclusion Criteria

 Peer-reviewed articles

 Studies examining the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes

 Studies employing quantitative methods

 Population: Individuals of all ages who use social media

 Intervention/Exposure: Use of social media platforms

 Comparator: Non-users or different levels of social media use

 Outcomes: Development of psychopathologies such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and

other mental disorders

Exclusion Criteria

 Studies not published in English

 Studies without a clear definition of social media use

 Studies about general internet use, internet gambling addiction and internet pornography addiction

 Narrative or scoping reviews, editorials, and opinion pieces.

Data Analysis

The data analysis for this study was conducted using a comprehensive and systematic approach to

synthesize the findings from the included studies. The analysis aimed to quantify the associations

between social media use and various psychopathologies, including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders,

eating disorders, and internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

Data Extraction and Preparation

Data were extracted from each study using a standardized extraction form. The extracted data

included study characteristics (e.g., author, year, country), participant characteristics (e.g., sample size,

mean age), and outcome measures (e.g., effect sizes, confidence intervals). The data were then checked

for accuracy and consistency by two independent reviewers.

Risk of Bias and Quality assessment

The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized studies and the

Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies by two authors.

Meta-Analysis

Meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled effect sizes for each psychopathology. The

following steps were undertaken:

 Effect Size Calculation: Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated for continuous

outcomes, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. The effect sizes were

extracted directly from the studies or calculated from available data using established formulas.

Heterogeneity Assessment: Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q

statistic and the I² index. Cochran’s Q tests the null hypothesis that all studies are evaluating the same

effect, while the I² index quantifies the percentage of total variation across studies due to heterogeneity

rather than chance.

Random-Effects Model: Given the expected heterogeneity among studies, a random-effects

model was used to pool the effect sizes. This model assumes that the true effects vary between studies

and provides a more conservative estimate of the overall effect size.

Publication Bias Assessment: Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test and the trim-and-fill

method. Egger’s test evaluates the asymmetry of the funnel plot, which can indicate publication bias.

The trim-and-fill method adjusts the pooled effect size by accounting for potentially missing studies.

Subgroup Analyses: Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of

heterogeneity and to examine the associations between social media use and psychopathologies across

different regions (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia, Other Regions).

Sensitivity Analyses: Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. This

involved excluding studies with high risk of bias and re-running the meta-analyses to determine if the

results were consistent.

Statistical Software

All statistical analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software,

version 3.0. This software was chosen for its robust capabilities in handling meta-analytic data and

performing advanced statistical tests.

Reporting
 The results of the meta-analyses were reported as pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence

intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was reported using the Q statistic and I² index. Publication bias was

reported using Egger’s test Z values and the adjusted effect sizes from the trim-and-fill method.

Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also detailed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the

findings.

By following these rigorous data analysis methods, this study aimed to provide reliable and valid

estimates of the associations between social media use and various psychopathologies.

RESULTS

Search Results….

(Contact authors for full article)