THE CONNECTIVENESS: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP

BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND MENTAL HEALTH

OUTCOMES

SHADMESH ARNIEGO
JHON EARL ASPERA
NOLWIN JOSH DELA CRUZ
JZAY RICH O. MARTINEZ
ALLYXIA MOSQUERA
QUEENIE DIANNE G. VALENCIA

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

ENGLISH 10
THIS RESEARCH IS PRESENTED TO
PRESIDENT ROXAS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

2025
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Over the past twenty years, social media has transformed the

ways in which individuals connect, communicate, and gets

information. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly

Twitter), and Facebook have become basic to daily life, for social

interaction, entertainment, and access to news. Despite the

advantages, there is an increasing concern regarding their potential

negative impacts on mental health.

The relationship between heavy use of social media and an

increase in mental health disorders has long been established.

However, there is a gap in the literature regarding mental health

(Koehler Sarah Nichole and Parrell, Bobbie Rose, 2020). As proposed

by Brandy, Engel and Mullins (2020) that has shown that social

media usage in students can be detrimental to their self-esteem,

motivation, and generalized anxiety. The impact of social media on

mental health has become a subject of significant concern and

scrutiny in recent years (Dewangan, 2023).

Recent research explores the complex relationship between

social media use and mental health outcomes. Studies indicate that

excessive social media exposure can lead to negative psychological

impacts, particularly among younger users, exacerbating feelings of

isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem (Pathil et al., 2024; Yunus,

2023). Factors such as social comparison, FOMO, and cyberbullying

contribute to these adverse effects (Yunus, 2023). To mitigate these

risks, researchers suggest implementing mindful engagement

strategies, promoting responsible use, and developing interventions

and policies to create a balanced approach to digital connectivity

(Pathil et al., 2024; Yunus, 2023).

This study investigates the challenges associated with modern

connectivity, focusing on the link between social media use and

mental health outcomes. By analyzing existing literature, user

behaviors, and psychological frameworks, the research aims to

clarify the balance of risks and protective factors present in social

media engagement. The findings intend to inform strategies that

promote healthier digital habits and reduce potential harm,

encouraging a more mindful approach to online interactions to

enhance well-being in a connected world.

Purpose of the Study

This qualitative study aims to explore the complex

relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes,

focusing on specific patterns, platforms, and user behaviors that

influence psychological effects. It will investigate how various

factors, including time spent on social media, the type of

engagement (active versus passive), and exposure to algorithm-

driven content, impact mental well-being, particularly concerning

anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and loneliness.

Research Questions:

1. How does social media use influence mental health outcomes,

such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and loneliness?

2. What specific patterns of social media use (e.g., active vs.

passive engagement) are associated with positive and

negative mental health outcomes?

3. How does the amount of time spend on social media correlate

with users' mental well-being?

Significance of the Study

This study is important as it tackles the increasing concern

about the impact of social media use on mental health. It provides

valuable insights for key stakeholders, including adolescents,

healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers.

Adolescents and Young Adults. As the most active users of

social media, adolescents and young adults are particularly

vulnerable to the psychological effects of constant connectivity. This

study aims to help them understand how different patterns of social

media use can either support or harm their mental well-being. It

seeks to empower them with knowledge to adopt healthier digital

habits and to recognize signs of social media-induced stress,

anxiety, or low self-esteem.

Healthcare Providers. Mental health professionals will benefit

from gaining insights into how social media influences the well-

being of their patients. The findings of this study can guide more

personalized interventions, enabling practitioners to address digital

experiences that may contribute to anxiety, depression, or other

mental health challenges.

Educators and Parents. Educators and parents play a crucial role

in fostering healthy digital habits among adolescents. This study will

provide them with evidence-based insights to encourage open

discussions about responsible social media use, promote positive

engagement, and identify warning signs of negative psychological

effects.

Policymakers. Policymakers can utilize the findings of this study

to develop guidelines and regulations that promote safer digital

environments. This includes advocating for platform features that

support positive mental health outcomes while protecting users—

particularly vulnerable populations—from harmful content and

excessive screen time.

Researchers. Aiming to delve deeper into the complexities of

mental health outcomes. By pinpointing critical factors such as the

differences between active and passive use, platform-specific

dynamics, and individual susceptibility, it sparks a wealth of

possibilities for future exploration. The insights gained here are

poised to inspire longitudinal studies, cross-cultural comparisons,

and innovative experimental designs, allowing scholars to uncover

causal relationships that go beyond mere correlations.

Ultimately, by addressing both the risks and benefits of social

media use, this study aims to promote healthier online behaviors,

alleviate mental health burdens, and create safer digital spaces for

all users.

Scope and Limitation

This study explores the relationship between social media use

and mental health outcomes, focusing on common psychological

effects such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and loneliness. The

research examines how factors like time spent on social media, type

of engagement (active vs. passive use), and exposure to algorithm-

driven content influence users' mental well-being.

The study primarily targets adolescents and young adults of

President Roxas National High School this will be conducted during

the fourth quarter of S.Y. 2024-2025. As they represent the most

active demographic on social media platforms. The research will

collect data through surveys and self-reported assessments,

providing insights into users' experiences, behaviors, and mental

health perceptions raging in the age of 12 to 18 years old who have

been considered as a user of social media in our generation.

Popular platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter),

and Facebook will be the focus, given their widespread use and

potential for both positive and negative psychological impacts.

Operational Definition of Terms

For the readers and researchers to understand the given words was

defined as:

Social media. Are online platforms that are use for interactions,

sharing insights, for making contents, and for communication.

Mental Health. These are the people who in psychological state or

in an emotional state.

Psychological Well-Being. This is a state were the mental health

is on the positive side.

Adolescent. A young person who’s in the process of puberty or

growing up.

Anxiety. It refers to the feeling of worry, uneasiness, or in danger

often concludes on nervousness.

Depression. It is a common disorder where you are in the state of

feeling sad, dejected, or low in spirits.

Self-Esteem. This is the state when you have a confidence on

yourself or a person who believes in their own worth or ability.

Loneliness: A feeling or state of being alone often connected on

sadness or discomfort.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

 This chapter will present then relevant literatures and studies

that a researcher considered in strengthening the claim and

importance of the present study. Furthermore, this chapter will

tackle the effects of social media in our mental health well-being

and the theoretical framework of the study.

Impact of Social media on Mental Health

These results demonstrated that social media has both

positive and negative effects on mental health: positive effects

included accessing other people's health experiences and expert

health information, managing depression, emotional support and

community building, expanding and strengthening offline networks

and interactions, self-expression and self-identity, establishing and

maintaining relationships, and negative effects included anxiety,

depression, loneliness, poor sleep quality, poor mental health

indicators, thoughts of self-harm and suicide, increased

psychological distress, cyberbullying, body image dissatisfaction,

and fear of missing out. (Hassan Ebrahimpour Sadagheyani, et. Al,

2021).

Facebook's introduction to universities had a detrimental

impact on students' academic performance and mental health, most

likely as a result of an increase in negative social comparisons Levy

(2020).

Studies show that excessive smartphone and social media use

can harm the youth’s mental health. This can lead to increased
stress, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts, especially among girls.

To address this issue, parents, clinicians, and communities must

work together in educating young people about healthy social

media habits, promoting resilience, and creating supportive

environments. By taking these steps, we can help young people

navigate the challenges of growing up in today's digital world. (Elia

Abi-Jaoude, et. Al, 2020.)

Social Media and Education on Mental Health

We reviewed recent studies on social media use among

people with mental illness, considering how social media affects

mental health and early attempts to use social media to distribute

evidence-based programs for mental health issues, (Naslund, 2020)

One of the main places where individuals are involved is

social media. It serves as a platform for connecting people who

share interests. Social media platforms like Facebook present

chances to learn about public awareness and give access to

information about mental health. On average, over 2.1 billion

people use Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Messenger daily.

(Chaturvedi S.K., 2020)

Addressing this issue requires preventing illness and

promoting good mental health. Promotion was described by the

World Health Organization (WHO, 2016) as the activities required to

provide settings that give people the skills they need to maintain

"mentally healthy" lifestyles. This is due to the fact that mental

health is a condition of wellness that enables individuals to make

valuable contributions to society, rather than just the absence of

mental illness (WHO, 2004). Strategies aimed at lowering the

incidence, prevalence, and recurrence of mental diseases are

necessary for prevention (WHO, 2016). Despite their overlap,

prevention and promotion deal with "mental ill health," or

preventing sickness, whereas promotion focuses on "positive

mental health," or maintaining people's mental well-being (Kalra, et

al., 2012).

Many argue that social media is beneficial for everyone, even

in the medical field. Proper use of it can help medical professionals

for networking, education, and advocacy. However, studies also

show that excessive use of social media have a negative impact on

doctor’s mental health leading to burnout and online abuse. With

this, young doctors are advised to take breaks on smartphones and

social media. To navigate social media effectively for doctors,

experts recommend formal training for medical trainees, being

mindful of online presence, and using social media as a tool for

learning and professional development rather than online activities

that may be distracting Sarah Brown (2018).

Theoretical Lens

The theory of Bronfenbrenner (1979) which is the Ecological Model

as a guiding framework. This theoretical approaches to mental

health can offer crucial details regarding a person's thoughts and

feelings as they relate to the dynamics of the system. This

viewpoint offers insights into how people's social media system

shapes behavior. This

Research will be guided by theory, which examines social media as

a component of a system that

may affect behaviors and symptoms related to mental health. This

hypothesis could clarify

why extensive usage of social media has been linked to poor mental

health.

Supported by the next theory which is the Generalist Intervention

Model (GIM). This model concentrates on seven essential areas of

mental health treatments.

professionals to assist and mentor clients in developing problem-

solving abilities while

safeguarding the client's autonomy, including interaction,

evaluation, treatment, planning, intervention, and assessment. This

model could Twelve

elucidate the effects of excessive social media use on mental health

and gives mental health professionals more in-depth information

and comprehension of its

impacts on mental health when using this methodology for

evaluation and therapy.