ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine social media usage and its effect on users’ mental health in Nigeria using youths in Lagos state as a case study. The study was specifically set to determine the extent of social media usage among youths in Lagos state, determine whether there is a significant relationship between social media usage and the mental health of youths, and ascertain the effect of social media experience on the mental health of youths in Lagos state. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprise of youths resident in Yaba, Lagos state. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 200 respondents and 150 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables. While the hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation statistical tool, SPSS v23. The result of the findings reveals that there is a high extent of social media usage among youths in Lagos state. Furthermore the study also revealed that the use of social media has caused negative influences on mental health like an increase in anxiety, depression, isolation, and low self-esteem.. Therefore the study recommends that the exercise of safe social and balance use of social media should be encouraged among the youths. To mention but a few.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background To The Study
Social media, which is also referred to as social networking, has become the most widely used method of communication and interaction among individuals of all ages across the globe as a result of ongoing technological progress. A variety of technological platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Tumblr, and others, facilitate communication and the exchange of content via social media (SM) (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010). According to research on the increasing prevalence of social media usage, almost one-tenth of Americans are active users of social media platforms. Specifically, 68% of the population utilises Facebook, 21% utilises Twitter, 25% utilises Pinterest, and 26% utilises Instagram (Greenwood et al., 2018). According to statistical data, the quantity of time individuals dedicate to social media platforms is considerably elevated. Social media interaction consumes 28% of the average time spent on the internet (Huang, 2018).
The use of social media is accompanied by a number of advantages. The benefits encompass a range of initiatives, such as fostering mental health awareness and destigmatization, providing supplementary access to resources, and facilitating a platform for users to connect with one another about their mental health symptoms (Lattie et al., 2019). Furthermore, social media has the potential to function as a constructive platform for mitigating the obstacles that people from various contexts may encounter when coping with a mental health diagnosis (Andrews et al., 2018). On the contrary, numerous studies in the literature establish a correlation between the utilisation of social media and a range of psychiatric disorders—such as anxiety, depression, and diminished self-esteem (Lin et al., 2016; Pantic, 2014). Social media users may be subjected to harassment, humiliation, and adverse reactions in response to their content. Furthermore, the comparison of one's life satisfaction and self-image to that of other users may cause distress for these individuals (Belluomini, 2015). Moreover, negative social media behaviours, such as browsing through negative content, can lead to mood swings, depression, and social isolation (Belluomini, 2015).
Given the exponential growth of social media usage in the past decade, it is critical to evaluate the potential psychological repercussions of social media. Concerning the mental health repercussions of social media, mental health professionals have thus far taken minimal action. Furthermore, the knowledge and readiness of mental health clinicians to address the detrimental effects of excessive social media usage on their clients' mental well-being have been the subject of scant investigation.
The substantial increase in mental health symptoms caused by social media's influence on mental health complicates the provision of social services at the micro level. As an increasing number of social media users present with symptoms such as anxiety, melancholy, and low self-esteem, there is a corresponding demand for more service providers. Providers of mental health services must be cognizant of the influence of social media on mental health in order to assist those impacted by this matter more effectively. Additional training is also required to address the assessment of social media use and its potential mental health consequences. A greater comprehension of the consequences of social media usage will result in treatment for clients that is more efficient and effective.(Panttic, 2014; Lin et al., 2016).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Although the increase in social media usage is indisputable, the effects of frequent use are the subject of numerous contradictory opinions. From an optimistic standpoint, Levy (2015) asserts that social media participation aids in the development of critical knowledge and social skills in adolescents and motivates them to become engaged members of society who generate and distribute content. This is corroborated by the claim that social validation, such as that which social media platforms offer, is a vital element in the life of an individual (Miller, 2018). Sutton (2013) posits that individuals who engage in regular updates to their social media profiles purportedly observe a rise in self-awareness and self-esteem.
Nevertheless, there is growing support for the notion that excessive utilisation of these platforms could be detrimental to one's mental health due to the fact that an intense immersion in the digital world can induce depression in certain users (Nyasaland, Grande, Brennner, & Elwy, 2014). This underscores the necessity for a more comprehensive comprehension of the ways in which this ubiquitous social media usage impacts the mental health and overall well-being of individuals.
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
The study's main goal is to examine social media usage and its effect on users’ mental health in Nigeria using youths in Lagos state as a case study. The study specifically attempted to:
- Determine the extent of social media usage among youths in Lagos state
- Determine whether there is a significant relationship between social media usage and the mental health of youths
- Ascertain the effect of social media experience on the mental health of youths in Lagos state.
1.4 Research Questions:
The study will be guided by the following questions;
- What is the extent of social media usage among youths in Lagos state?
- Is there a significant relationship between social media usage and the mental health of youths?
- What is the effect of social media experience on the mental health of youths in Lagos state?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Ho: There is no significant relationship between social media usage and the mental health of youths.
Ha: There is a significant relationship between social media usage and the mental health of youths.
1.6 Significance Of The Study
The proposed study is essential due to the limited number of research studies conducted on how mental health practitioners are responding to increased social media use and the impact on mental health. The observation of a technological society has brought to question what the impacts of high social media use are on a client’s mental health. As society evolves into a digital culture, mental health practitioners need to be prepared to screen clients for possible negative side effects of heavy social media. The findings of this study will have implications for the field of social services by identifying gaps in service provision, assessment, and treatment planning with respect to social media’s impact on mental health. The findings may lead to updates in a clinician’s approach to assessing the client’s concerns and developing a treatment plan to address treatment goals. Although this study’s main emphasis is on the micro-level (interaction between clinicians and clients), the findings may contribute to social service provision on a macro level by updating service accessibility and policies regarding social media outlets.
1.7 Scope Of The Study
The scope of this study boarders on social media usage and its effect on users’ mental health in Nigeria. The study will be carried out among youths in Yaba, Lagos state.
1.8 Limitation Of The Study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Social Media: they are forms of electronic communication which facilitate interactive base on certain interests. Social media include web and mobile technology.
Social Networking Sites: A website where people put information about them and can send to others.
Mental health: a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.
