Social Media Use Among School going Adolescents And its Association with their Mental Health, Chattogram, Bangladesh : A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract This study looks into how social media habits affect the mental health of school-aged adolescents in Chattogram, Bangladesh. With more and more young people using social media, there are growing worries about how it might influence their mental well-being, especially concerning issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. By using a cross-sectional research approach, the study gathered information from 300 students through a detailed questionnaire. The results show that spending too much time on social media is linked to a greater risk of mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. The study emphasizes the importance of creating targeted programs to lessen the negative impacts of social media on young people's mental health and offers policy suggestions to encourage responsible online behavior. Background Interpersonal communication is essential for our well-being, and social media has really changed the way young people connect, learn, and build relationships. While these platforms can provide educational advantages and encourage social interaction, there are rising concerns about their effects on mental health. Research indicates that spending too much time on social media can lead to issues like sleep deprivation, social withdrawal, and a higher risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The current research shows mixed opinions; some experts believe that online interactions can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of social support, while others warn about the dangers of social isolation and declining mental health. With the increasing use of social media among teenagers, particularly in Bangladesh, this study aims to investigate how different usage patterns affect the mental health of students in Chattogram.

Methods This study used a cross-sectional design to explore how social media usage relates to the mental health of adolescents. We gathered a sample of 385 school students from various educational institutions in Chattogram through simple random sampling. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire that included demographic details, social media habits (like frequency, duration, and purpose), and mental health indicators such as stress, anxiety, and depression. AUW granted us ethical approval, and participants and their guardians provided their informed permission. To analyze the data, we conducted statistical tests, including chi-square tests and regression analysis, to look for connections between social media use and mental health outcomes. Result This study looked into the socio-demographic traits, social media habits, and mental health outcomes of adolescents. The findings showed that 62.7% of the participants were female, while 37.3% were male, with most of them (57.3%) in grade 10.Parents' educational backgrounds differed, 25.3% of mothers have completed high school, however 24% of men have a bachelor's degree. Social media use was quite high, as 37.3% of teens reported using one to two platforms, 25.3% used more than four, and 44% spent over six hours a day on social media. The peak times for usage were in the evening (41.3%) and late at night (38.7%). Interestingly, while 53.3% of respondents used all platforms equally, Facebook stood out as the favorite (20%). Mental health issues were a major concern, with 56.8% of participants experiencing bullying outside of school and 67.3% facing cyberbullying. Loneliness was also a significant issue, with 49.3% of adolescents feeling lonely most of the time, and 44.2% reported having trouble sleeping frequently. These results highlight the strong link between heavy social media use and mental health challenges, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support, digital literacy, and well-being initiatives for young people.

Conclusion This study shows the significant impact social media has on teens' mental health. While excessive use is directly linked to problems like anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping, it can also help them interact with others and provide some enjoyment. The findings highlight the value of mental health resources, digital literacy initiatives, and parental and instructional assistance in reducing the negative effects of excessive use. Developing strategies that promote better social media habits is essential for all involved. Future research should also examine the ways in which cultural and socioeconomic variables affect how social media affects adolescents' mental Health.