Anxiety

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 Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Undergraduates at the University of Benin. This study investigates how social media usage affects the mental health of undergraduate students at the University of Benin. The research was conducted within the university community and focused on determining the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and concentration. The main objectives were to examine the effects of social media usage patterns on students’ mental health and to identify possible interventions to mitigate negative outcomes. The study was guided by two key research questions: 1.What is the relationship between social media usage and mental health indicators (anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and concentration)? 2. How does passive browsing affect students’ psychological well-being? A descriptive survey design was employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample size of 150 undergraduate students. The instruments used included standardized scales such as the GAD-7 for anxiety, PHQ-9 for depression, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and custom questions on concentration. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis through SPSS. The key findings revealed that excessive social media use was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, lower self-esteem,and poor concentration. Students who engaged in passive browsing reported more psychological distress than those who used social media actively and moderately. In conclusion, while social media offers certain academic and social benefits, its excessive and passive use negatively impacts the mental health of students. There is a need for awareness and counseling interventions targeted at digital well-being. It is recommended that: 1. University management should integrate mental health awareness and digital literacy into orientation and counseling programs. 2. Students should be encouraged to set healthy boundaries for social media use to enhance their academic and psychological well-be