The Influence of Social Media on Mental Well-being:

A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between social media use and mental health, highlighting both its positive and negative effects. While social media can increase access to support and reduce stigma around mental health issues, overuse can lead to mental illnesses such as increased anxiety, depression and disability, particularly from interactions such as social comparison and cyberbullying. Factors such as gender and age play an important role in shaping these experiences. The findings highlight the need for tailored interventions that take into account demographic factors and individual experiences. Recommendations include training to encourage healthy social media use, digital literacy training, and the establishment of supportive online communities. In addition, addressing gaps in legislation and facilitating access to mental health resources are crucial to developing a healthier digital environment. Overall, understanding the interactions between social media and mental health across different demographic groups is critical to developing effective strategies to improve well-being in today’s increasingly digital world.