The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

This study examines gender-based differences in social media habits and their impact on coping mechanisms, procrastination, and mental health. Using an online survey distributed via Qualtrics, data were collected from 242 participants aged 18 to 65, with a majority in the 18–24 age group. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were conducted using SPSS to identify behavioral and psychological trends by gender. Results indicate that women are significantly more likely than men to use social media to cope with stress and to procrastinate. They also report greater difficulty reducing usage and perceive more mental health benefits from taking breaks. In contrast, men tend to engage with social media more casually and show less emotional dependence. Despite these differences, no significant gender differences were found in daily usage time or self-reported overall mental health. These findings suggest that social media plays a more emotionally significant role in women’s lives, whereas men approach it with less psychological investment. The study highlights the importance of considering gender when assessing the mental health impacts of social media use.