Social Media Usage and Mental Health among College Students
Abstract: Social media plays an important role in the daily lives of college students, influencing communication, learning, social relationships, and emotional well-being. This study examines the relationship between social media usage patterns and mental health among 122 college students aged 18 to 25. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess stress, anxiety, fear of missing out (FoMO), sleep disturbance, social comparison, and problematic social media use. Statistical analysis included correlation, group comparisons, and multiple regression, supported by qualitative responses. Results showed that 62.3% of participants used social media shortly before bedtime, while passive engagement was more common than active interaction. Passive use was positively associated with anxiety (r = .607), sleep disturbance (r = .567), and problematic use (r = .569). FoMO showed a strong relationship with problematic use (r = .704), while sleep disturbance was also closely associated with problematic use (r = .740). Daily usage duration alone showed no significant relationship with anxiety or problematic use. The findings highlight the relevance of engagement patterns, emotional factors, and bedtime habits in understanding students' digital well-being. However, the cross-sectional design and reliability limitations of some measures restrict causal interpretation. Greater awareness of balanced social media habits, responsible digital engagement, and sleep management may help educational institutions support student well-being.
Keywords: Social Media Use, College Students, Mental Health, Fear of Missing Out, Sleep Disturbance
How to Cite?: Jeyanthi Nirmala Mary K, "Social Media Usage and Mental Health among College Students", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1602-1604, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261022193154, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261022193154