Effects of social media on psychological health among university students of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The extensive use of social media in contemporary communication systems has demonstrated significant impacts on the mental health of youth. The positive aspects of social media that promote connectivity and education also produce serious health risks which include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and disturbed sleep patterns. This study evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of use of social media while examining the psychological impact on university students' social networks.

Material & Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 university students aged 18–26 years in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire using non-probability convenience sampling. The questionnaire recorded demographic characteristics, daily use of social media, most-used platform and self-reported psychological health outcomes including depression, anger, neglect of real-life activities, social isolation, sleep disturbance and low self-esteem. Data were analyzed using SPPS 26 and descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho correlation were reported. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 392 participants were recruited for this trial. Out the total, 129 were female and the remaining 263 were male population. Three categories were used for the age distribution of participants: 18–20, 21–23, and 24–26. The 21–23 age group is the largest, accounting for 159 individuals, followed by the 18–20 age group with 147 individuals and then by the age group 24-26 having 86 participants. Social media hours showed statistically significant positive correlations with depression (r = 0.651, p < 0.001), anger (r = 0.728, p < 0.001), neglect of real-life activities (r = 0.737, p < 0.001), social isolation (r = 0.752, p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (r = 0.723, p < 0.001) and low self-esteem (r = 0.741, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Excessive use of social media was significantly associated with multiple negative psychological health outcomes among university students in Lahore. The strongest associations were observed with social isolation, low self-esteem, neglect of real-life activities, anger and sleep disturbance. University-level awareness, digital-wellbeing education and early mental health screening may help reduce risks linked with excessive use of social media.