DEPRESSION

The rapid growth of social media use among young people has raised concerns about its potential impact on mental health. This study examined the effects of social media usage on the mental health of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the frequency and patterns of social media use, the relationship between social media engagement and mental health outcomes, students’ awareness of the psychological risks associated with excessive use, and strategies for promoting healthier digital engagement. The study was guided by Social Comparison Theory, which explains how individuals evaluate themselves through comparisons with others, particularly in digital environments. A survey research design was adopted. Data were collected from 490 undergraduate students drawn from different faculties of the University of Benin using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyze patterns of social media usage and mental health experiences, while inferential statistical techniques including Pearson Product–Moment Correlation, independent-samples t-test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that social media usage is highly prevalent among undergraduate students, with platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and X being the most frequently used. Many students reported spending several hours daily on these platforms, often during evening and late-night hours. The results further indicated that frequent and prolonged social media use is significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms among students. The study also found that greater awareness of the psychological risks associated with excessive social media use is linked to better mental health outcomes. The study concludes that while social media provides important opportunities for communication and social interaction, excessive engagement may expose students to psychological challenges. It therefore recommends the promotion of digital mental health literacy programs, strengthened counseling services, and institutional strategies that encourage
balanced and responsible social media use among students

The main purpose of this research work was to assess the perceived factors leading to depression among university students using the Faculty of Education of the University of Benin as a case study. This research work discussed the causes of depression among university students
and how it affects their academic life. It also looks at how students understand and define the concept of depression since research evidence points to the fact that
arriving at a consensual definition for depression can be difficult due to the varying experiences among individuals influencing its definition. Population 8,668
students, random select 296 students. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The research questions were tested by administering 100 copies of (20) item
questionnaire to undergraduates of the Faculty of Education, University of Benin. The data generated were analyzed using percentages and the findings discussed. The result of the study revealed that there are various factors that leads to depression among university students of the University of Benin. Following the findings, the researcher puts forth some recommendations which
when faithfully implemented will bring about general improvement with respect to the focus of this research.Counseling centers on university campuses need to be very proactive, easily approachable to all students, get help-lines where students can get in contact with a counselor without necessarily approaching the counseling unit to help students who feel very shy and intimidated. Students who fail their exams or do not achieve their academic goal should be encouraged to seek for guidance.

This study investigates the determinants of depression on the academic performance of undergraduate students in the University of Benin City. The research aims to examine the relationship between depression and academic performance, identify the determinants of depression among undergraduate students, and explore the implications for university support services. The findings of the study reveal that depression has a significant negative impact on the academic performance of undergraduate students, with factors such as academic pressure, social isolation, and financial stress contributing to the development of depression. The study highlights the need for universities to provide accessible mental health support services, academic counseling, and stress management programs to support undergraduate students' mental health and academic success. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on depression and academic performance, providing insights for university administrators, mental health practitioners, and policymakers seeking to address the mental health needs of undergraduate students.