Social media effects among freshman medical students during COVID-19 lock-down: An online mixed research

Lockdown was imposed as a preventive measure for coronavirus disease pandemic. Social media was the most common tool available for the masses, including the 1^st year medical students during the lockdown. The objectives of the present study were to determine the extent of use of social media and the effects on mind-body and social distancing.

It was mixed research conducted on 1^st-year medical students using convenience sampling. The quantitative aspect of E-survey was administered through Google forms sent via E-mail, and structured telephonic interview was conducted as a qualitative aspect on randomly selected 10 students based on predecided interview questions. This study was reported as per the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys. The analysis was performed using percentages and paired t-test with significance at P < 0.05, Chi-square test with Yate's correction. Qualitative responses were analyzed using coding and categorization.

The response rate was 88%. Time spent on social media for >4 h increased from 1.1% to 47.72% during lockdown. Forty three (48.86%) of the students reported increased mood fluctuations. The relation between mood fluctuations and time spent on social media of >4 h was significant χ²= 6.41 with P < 0.05. Average hours of sleep after using social media before lockdown increased significantly from 6.68 h to 8.10 h during lockdown using paired t-test, where "t" was 6.84. There was a positive impact on communication with friends and family.

Due to the increased extent of use of social media during lockdown, negative mind-body effects have surfaced but emerged as boon in terms of communication.