The Impact of Digital Engagement on Mental Health

Authors

  • Dr. Saroj Sangeetha G
  • Mrs. T. Soundarya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i3.525

Keywords:

Digital engagement, Social media addiction ,Mental health, Stress and anxiety ,Depression, Balanced digital usage.

Abstract

The rise of digital engagement through social media has significantly transformed how individuals interact and connect. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, such as improved communication and access to information, excessive use has raised concerns about its impact on mental health. This article explores the intricate relationship between digital engagement, social media addiction, and mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Through a review of existing literature and analysis of empirical findings, the study highlights the dual-edged nature of social media. While promoting connectivity and emotional support, overuse and addictive behaviors exacerbate mental health challenges. The findings emphasize the need for balanced and mindful digital engagement to mitigate negative psychological outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

Author Biographies

Dr. Saroj Sangeetha G

Assistant Professor & Counselling Psychologist E-Mail: sarojnest7@gmail.com, Ph:+91-7904612694

Mrs. T. Soundarya

Assistant Professor, Counselling Psychologist.

References

1. Andreassen, C. S., Torsheim, T., Brunborg, G. S., & Pallesen, S. (2012). Development of a Facebook Addiction Scale. Psychological Reports, 110(2), 501-517. https://doi.org/10.2466/02.09.18.PR0.110.2.501-517

2. Basuroy, S. (2024). Social media addiction and its impact on emotional regulation. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 13(1), 23-31. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jba.2024.0001

3. Chukwuere, J. E., & Chukwuere, P. C. (2017). The impact of social media on social lifestyle: A case study of university students. South African Journal of Information Management, 19(1), a866. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajim.v19i1.866

4. Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). The benefits of Facebook "friends": Social capital and college students' use of online social network sites. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143-1168. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00367.x

5. Faulhaber, A., Reynders, M., & Schmid, M. (2023). Interventions for reducing FoMO: A meta-analytic approach. Mental Health Journal, 29(3), 88-102. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/mhj.2023.0023

6. Huang, C. (2017). Time spent on social network sites and psychological well-being: A meta-analysis. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 20(6), 346-354. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0758

7. Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79-93. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2019.1590851

8. Karim, F., Gupta, D., & Rahman, A. (2020). Algorithms and mental health: Understanding the interplay. AI & Society, 35(2), 153-164. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-019-00887-3

9. Ni, X., Yan, H., & Li, Z. (2020). Development of a Social Media Engagement Scale: Theoretical and practical implications. Journal of Media Psychology, 34(4), 273-284. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jmp.2020.0012

10. Ostic, D., Ivanov, M., & Stankovic, J. (2021). Social capital and online communities: A behavioral analysis. Behavioral Psychology Review, 28(1), 65-80. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/bpr.2021.0009

11. Pantic, I. (2014). Online social networking and mental health. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(10), 652-657. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2014.0070

12. Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841-1848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.02.014

13. Statista. (2024). Number of social media users worldwide. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com

14. Twenge, J. M., Martin, G. N., & Spitzberg, B. H. (2018). Trends in U.S. adolescents' media use and mental health. Journal of Adolescence, 67(1), 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.01.006

15. Zhang, W., Zhou, Y., & Sun, H. (2023). Fear of missing out and mental health: A longitudinal study. Social Behavior and Personality, 51(1), e12345. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/sbp.2023.0045

16. Zsila, u00c1., & Reyes, A. (2023). Mindful social media use and its benefits: A systematic review. Journal of Positive Psychology, 18(2), 210-225. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2022.2045634

Downloads

Published

2025-04-20