Perceived Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health and Sleep-Related Outcomes Among Healthy Social Media Users: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: Social media use has become pervasive among the general population, with growing concern regarding its potential effects on mental health and sleep. While existing studies report associations between social media engagement and psychological outcomes, limited attention has been given to users’ self-perceived impact. To assess the self-perceived impact of social media use on mental health and sleep-related outcomes among healthy adolescents and adults aged 16–50 years old, and to identify associated demographic and behavioral factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aged 16–50 years without a history of psychiatric or chronic sleep disorders, using a structured online questionnaire. Perceived mental health impact was assessed using a six-item study-specific questionnaire evaluating participants’ subjective perceptions regarding emotional and psychological responses to social media exposure. Higher perceived impact was defined as a composite score of 12–24 points on the study-specific scale. Data included sociodemographic characteristics, patterns of social media use, perceived mental health impact assessed through a 6-item Likert scale, and sleep-related outcomes. Associations were evaluated using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: Most participants reported daily social media use exceeding 3 h, with 44.9% engaging in late-night use and 87.6% using devices within 30 min before sleep. Overall, 18.6% exhibited higher perceived mental health impact. Higher odds were observed among younger participants, students, and single individuals. Snapchat and YouTube use, and late-night engagement were independently associated with increased perceived impact. Approximately one-third reported insomnia after social media use, and 44.3% perceived improved sleep with reduced usage. Conclusions: Social media use is widely prevalent and commonly perceived to negatively affect mental well-being and sleep, particularly with intensive and late-night use. Self-awareness of these effects may represent a valuable leverage point for prevention, supporting the need for targeted digital wellness strategies and public health interventions.