The Effects of Digital Media on Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing of Youth of Pakistan

The research explores the effects of the consumption of Instagram on the psychological states and self-esteem of university students, with special attention to the chosen object since it is the most widely used social platform among youths at this stage of their lives. It will discuss the impact of Instagram, especially when adopting upward social comparison. sampling technique employed by this study is quantitative with purposive sampling technique, and the study gets responses from 230 people. The survey adopted several scales: eligibility criteria: Participants had to be over 18 years of age, own an Instagram account, complete the Instagram Intensity Scale(based on Ellison), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, measures of passive and active use of IG, and a Life Satisfaction Scale. The research evidence shows that both active and passive use of Instagram results in a negative shift in the self-esteem of users, meaning that the well-being of university students is impacted.