Mental Health and Social Media Use: Assessing Psychological Well-Being in the Digital Age

Abstract

The rapid expansion of social media platforms has reshaped communication, identity formation, and daily social interaction, raising important questions about mental health in the digital age. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok provide opportunities for connection, self-expression, and information sharing. At the same time, excessive or unregulated use has been associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and reduced self-esteem, particularly among adolescents and young adults. the relationship between social media engagement and psychological well-being, focusing on factors such as screen time, online comparison, cyberbullying, and digital validation. While social media can enhance social support and community belonging, it may also contribute to emotional distress through exposure to idealized content and constant connectivity. The impact varies depending on individual resilience, usage patterns, and contextual factors such as gender, socioeconomic background, and offline social networks.