USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONG CRESCENT UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES

This study examined the role of social media in promoting mental health awareness among undergraduate students of Crescent University, Abeokuta. With the increasing use of digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter), social media had become a significant part of students' daily lives and potential tools for mental health communication. The research sought to uncover both the opportunities and risks that came with relying on social media as a source of mental- health education and support. The study was hinged on Agenda setting theory for its theoretical framework and it adopted a survey research design, and utilized a structured questionnaire to gather data from 100 undergraduate respondents across various colleges and academic levels within the university. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, including frequency distribution tables and simple percentages, to highlight trends in social media usage, exposure to mental health content, and students’ awareness levels. Findings revealed that majority of students actively used social media for more than six hours daily, hence they frequently encountered mental health-related content, and often followed or shared such content. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram were identified as the most frequently used for learning about mental health. Majority of respondents agreed that social media had helped them understood better mental health, recognized signs of mental distress, and felt more comfortable discussing emotional well-being. The study concluded that social media served not only as a source of entertainment but also as an informal educational tool that enhanced mental health literacy among students. The study hereby recommends that universities should integrate digital mental health education into academic programmes, promote peer-to-peer support, and ensure credible mental health content is made accessible through institutional and student-led initiatives. Keywords: Social media, mental health, Crescent University students, TikTok, Instagram.