IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON MENTAL HEALTH AND GENDER AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY

This study examined the impact of social media use on mental health and gender among young adults at Godfrey Okoye University, Nigeria. Guided by the cognitive-behavioral model, uses and gratification theory, social comparison theory, self-determination theory, ecological systems model. A total of 200 undergraduate students participated in the study, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique involving random and stratified sampling across three faculties. Data was collected using the Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUIS) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). The study adopted a cross-sectional design and employed descriptive statistics and hierarchical simple multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that social media use significantly predicted anxiety levels among students. The increased engagement of the participants with social media revealed increased anxiety, depression, and stress levels. The analysis also put emphasis on gender and age where younger students and females were found to be more vulnerable to anxiety. The study underscores the need for universities to implement targeted interventions, including digital literacy education, cognitive-behavioral workshops, and enhanced counseling services that address the psychological impact of excessive social media use. It draws the conclusion that, although social media can be associated with some positive outcomes, the lack of moderation of its use presents major threats to students in terms of their emotional state and academic success.