Social media for mental health literacy: credibility and usefulness in information-seeking behaviors of college students

BACKGROUND: This study examined college students' perceptions of the credibility and usefulness of mental health information on social media, the frequency with which they seek such information across platforms and sources, and the relationship of these behaviors to overall mental health literacy. METHODS: An online survey was conducted with N = 372 college students. Measures assessed perceived information credibility, perceived usefulness, frequency of seeking behaviors across different platforms and sources, and levels of mental health literacy. RESULTS: Findings indicated that perceived information credibility was positively associated with seeking information from government-affiliated sources. Perceived usefulness was strongly related to seeking content on TikTok and Instagram, as well as from online media outlets, influencers, and friends or family. Moreover, the use of TikTok and Instagram mediated the relationship between perceived usefulness and mental health literacy, underscoring their central role in shaping health information engagement. CONCLUSION: These results highlight TikTok and Instagram as pivotal platforms for enhancing mental health literacy among college students. The study offers theoretical implications and practical guidance for developing targeted health communication strategies that leverage social media to improve mental health awareness.