ABSTRACT

An increasing number of young adults are immersed in a virtual world where social media dominates their daily lives, but beneath the digital facade are people struggling with the weight of virtual existence which ranges from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem to even suicidal thoughts. The paper seeks to explore the intricate relationship between social media use and mental health among young adults in Awka, examine the factors are driving this relationship, propose ways in which the negative effects of social media on them can be mitigated and also promote healthier online interactions. By examining the period from 2020 to 2024, the paper also seeks to provide a context related to the COVID-19 pandemic which significantly increased social media use adopting the Social Comparison Theory. The data for this paper comprises surveys and structured questionnaires administered to young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 in Awka; these surveys contain detailed information about their social media usage patterns, types of platforms used, duration of use and the nature of their interactions online. Existing literature on social media and mental health were also adopted to compare them with global trends and studies. The findings of the paper reveal that social media has become an essential part of human life, exerting a significant influence on individuals. On the one hand, the benefits of social media, such as online/offline chatting, video calling, sharing thoughts, posting photos, accessing real-time news, advertising, and conducting meetings, are rapidly attracting users. On the other hand, it has led to unhealthy addiction, resulting in various social, physical, and mental health issues. This will contribute to a broader understanding of the mental health implications of social media and provide insights for developing strategies to mitigate its negative effects while enhancing its positive aspects.