Social Media and Gen Z's Mental Well-Being: Impact of Excessive Usage on Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Levels Analysis

Generation Z’s unprecedented access to social media, facilitated by their lifelong exposure to technology, has raised concerns about its impact on mental health. Despite evidence indicating that excessive social media use can negatively affect mental well-being, limited research specifically addresses Gen Z, the true digital natives. This study contributes to this discourse by examining the effects of high social media usage on the mental health of Gen Z, the newest generation in the workforce. While previous research has explored the impact of excessive social networking site (SNS) use on mental health, it often lacks generational specificity. This study employs the DASS-21 survey instrument to assess the impact of social media on depression, anxiety, and stress among Gen Z. Problematic social media usage is measured using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), an adaptation of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS). The sample includes social media users who participated either through in-person interactions or online surveys. Correlation analysis identifies the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes, while Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) elucidates the connections between variables influencing social media usage and mental well-being. Findings suggest that excessive social media use may negatively impact mental health, particularly among vulnerable Gen Z populations.