SOCIAL MEDIA AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE LINKS BETWEEN ONLINE ENGAGEMENT, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION

Depression among adolescents is a global health issue that has led to considerable social and economic challenges. Social media platforms are now deeply embedded in contemporary society, and they may influence individuals' mental well-being. Positive interactions, perceived social support, and social connectedness on social networking sites (SNSs) have been consistently linked to decreased levels of depression and anxiety. In contrast, negative online interactions and frequent social comparisons are associated with increased symptoms of these mental health disorders. SNS use has also been related to reduced loneliness and improved self-esteem and life satisfaction. However, findings regarding the frequency of SNS use and the number of online connections remain inconsistent. Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with depression and those with social anxiety engage with SNSs in distinct ways, indicating potentially different psychosocial mechanisms underlying their online behaviour.