INVESTIGATION INTO THE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AMONG YOUTHS IN WUSE ZONE FIVE (5) ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC), FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY NIGERIA.

The project explores the mental health impacts of social media usage among youth in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. Social media has become an essential part of daily life, especially among young people, influencing how they communicate, express themselves, and relate with others. However, its frequent and excessive use has raised concerns about mental health challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional stress. The study was guided by social learning theory, which explains how individual learn behaviours by observing others, and general stran theory, which focuses on how stress and negative experience can influence behaviours. A descriptive survey design was adopted and data were collected through a structured self administered questionnaire distributed to a sample of 252 respondents determined by the use of Taro Yamane’s Formula. The findings revealed that social media use, while beneficial in some ways, also contributes to emotional pressure, reduced productivity, and feelings of inadequacy. It also found that a vast majority of the respondents 92.9% spend a significant amount of time on social media daily. The study recommends mental health awareness, digital literacy education, and responsible social media usage to reduce the negative effects. This research contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between digital behaviour and mental health among Nigerian youth. Keywords: Mental Health, Social Media, Youth, Cyber-Bullying