THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON GENERATION Z: MENTAL HEALTH, IDENTITY FORMATION, AND SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY

This review examines the psychological impacts of social media on Generation Z, focusing on mental health, identity formation, and social connectivity. The article explores how social media platforms influence anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-presentation, body image, relationships, and social support among digital natives born between 1997 and 2012. The findings reveal a complex interplay of positive and negative effects, with social media exacerbating mental health challenges through mechanisms like social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO), while also offering opportunities for self-expression and community building. Critical evaluation highlights methodological limitations, such as reliance on cross-sectional designs and self-report measures, and identifies gaps in longitudinal and culturally diverse research.