Quiet struggles in a connected world: social media, mental health, and coping strategies among young women in northern Bangladesh

Purpose Social media plays an increasingly significant role in the lives of young people worldwide, influencing mental health in both positive and negative ways. However, research on its impact in rural Bangladesh, particularly among young women, remains scarce. With growing engagement on digital platforms, understanding how social media affects their mental well-being is crucial. This study aims to examine the mental health challenges associated with social media use among young women in northern Bangladesh, identify the underlying factors contributing to these mental health outcomes and explore the coping strategies these individuals use to mitigate social media’s psychological effects. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach, conducting semistructured interviews with 20 young women from the Rangpur division. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, focusing on active social media users. The framework method was used to analyze data, identifying recurring themes related to mental health and coping mechanisms. Findings Findings reveal that young women in northern Bangladesh experience social media-induced mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and social isolation. To cope, participants adopted strategies including setting boundaries on usage, curating online content to foster positivity and engaging in mindful social media practices. In addition, many relied on offline self-care activities and support networks, including family, friends and professionals. Originality/value While global research extensively explores social media’s mental health effects, studies in Bangladesh, particularly in northern regions, remain limited. This study addresses this gap by focusing on young women’s unique challenges, underlying factors and coping mechanisms.