Link between excessive social media use and psychiatric disorders

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Mental health disorders are a growing concern, with social media use identified as a significant factor.
• Social media platforms are increasingly associated with psychiatric disorders, impacting daily functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on social media-induced psychiatric disorders.
• To propose an evidence-based approach for prevention and treatment.
• To highlight the impact of digitalization on mental well-being.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies examining social media use and mental health.
• Analysis of correlations between usage patterns and psychological outcomes.
• Exploration of proposed causal mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Strong correlation between social network use and anxiety, depression, insomnia, and reduced happiness.
• Mental health risks increase with time spent, frequency of use, and number of platforms.
• Negative self-esteem, burnout, and social anxiety are implicated mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Increased social media engagement is linked to adverse mental health outcomes.
• Pre-existing anxiety may drive social media use as a coping mechanism.
• The shift to online social life requires increased attention to mental health care.