Social Media Use and Mental Health of College Students: A Review of Current Research
Introduction
The use of social media has become increasingly prevalent, especially among college-aged individuals. A recent survey found that over 90% of young adults between the ages of 18-29 use some form of social media daily (Smith & Anderson, 2018). College students in particular devote a significant amount of their time interacting on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter (McDool et al., 2020). Some research has started to link excessive social media use to negative mental health outcomes in this population. The purpose of this paper is to review the current body of literature examining the relationship between social media use and indicators of mental health and well-being among college students.
Social Comparison and Depression
One of the primary ways social media has been shown to impact mental health is through social comparison. Social comparison refers to evaluating one’s own opinions, abilities, and achievements by comparing them to others (Gibbons & Buunk, 1999). On social media, users are exposed to selectively presented portrayals of peers’ lives which often focus on the positive and idealized (Sherman et al., 2018). This can lead to upward social comparisons where users compare themselves to seemingly “better-off” others.
Several studies have found a link between upward social comparisons on social media and symptoms of depression among college students. One study analyzed survey responses from 335 undergraduates and found that Instagram use predicted greater appearance comparisons and depressive symptoms (Fardouly & Vartanian, 2016). Another study of 245 college women found that Facebook usage was positively correlated with upward comparisons and depression, and comparisons mediated the relationship between Facebook use and depression (Vogel et al., 2014). A meta-analysis aggregating results from 22 studies found a small but significant association between social media use and depression, an effect that increased in magnitude when social comparison was involved (Woods & Scott, 2016). The results suggest that comparing oneself to unrealistic social media portrayals may negatively impact self-esteem and mood.
FOMO and Anxiety
Another proposed way social media may influence mental health in college students is through feelings of fear of missing out, or FOMO. FOMO refers to anxiety related to the desire to stay continually connected with what others might be doing in order to feel included (Przybylski et al., 2013). High levels of FOMO have been linked to problematic smartphone use and symptoms of anxiety (Elhai et al., 2018). A survey of 1,787 college students found FOMO partially explained the association between social media engagement and symptoms of generalized anxiety (Fogg & Jones, 2019). Another study found that among 384 undergraduates, emotional investment in social media predicted greater FOMO, which in turn predicted higher social anxiety symptoms (Abel et al., 2016). The results suggest that constantly monitoring social media can induce anxiety related to missing social events and experiences of peers.
Sleep Disturbances
Research has also indicated excessive social media use may negatively impact sleep quality in college students. A study tracking the smartphone usage and sleep patterns of 58 students found increased social media app usage in the evening was associated with delayed bedtimes, less sleep duration, and lower self-rated sleep quality (Woods & Scott, 2016). Another study examined correlations between social media usage and sleep among 873 university students and found that greater daily social media use independently predicted poorer overall sleep quality and increased daytime dysfunction (Pawlikowski et al., 2014). A longitudinal study tracked changes in social media use and sleep patterns among 370 undergraduates over one academic year and found increasing social media usage predicted worsening sleep efficiency (defined as time asleep divided by time in bed) over time (Lemola et al., 2015). The findings suggest frequent late-night social media browsing may disrupt students’ sleep-wake cycles and impair sleep.
Problematic Usage and Mental Health
Finally, research has demonstrated an association between problematic social media use and poorer mental health outcomes in college students. Problematic usage refers to social media use that becomes excessive and interferes with daily functioning. A study surveyed 296 undergraduates on social media usage and mental health and found problematic usage significantly predicted greater stress levels as well as depression and anxiety symptoms (Hunt et al., 2018). Another study of 633 college students found that while moderate social media use did not impact well-being, heavy use predicted higher distress levels, and correlated use (use across multiple platforms simultaneously) was associated with lower self-esteem (Vannucci et al., 2017). The strongest empirical support for links between social media and mental health come from research focusing on problematic, compulsive patterns of social media engagement rather than usage alone.
Interventions and Student Well-Being
Other studies have begun exploring how mental health can be supported through effectively managing social media use on college campuses. A pilot program implemented on one campus provided small group workshops focused on media literacy, online behavior change, and alternative leisure activities in place of social media (Frison & Eggermont, 2017). Participants reported decreases in social media usage, increases in mindfulness and self-esteem, as well as improvements in mood and life satisfaction compared to controls. Other initiatives have involved providing on-campus counseling on issues like social comparison, FOMO, and setting limits around social media browsing before bed to promote better sleep (Hunt & Eisenburg, 2010). Early results indicate such interventions hold promise for empowering students to healthier social media habits with associated benefits for emotional well-being.
Discussion and Conclusion
Overall, research consistently links greater social media engagement to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality and problematic usage patterns among college students. Main mechanisms implicated include upward social comparison, FOMO, and disrupted circadian rhythms from late-night media use. Links are stronger for platforms emphasizing visual display of idealized content like Instagram versus more utilitarian text-based platforms. Effects are modest and specific to compulsive usage styles. Moderate use alone may not impact well-being. Early initiatives training students on media literacy, alternative activities, and setting limits have begun showing promise, supporting healthy management of social media rather than complete avoidance.
While research is still emerging, findings underscore the importance of equipping students with strategies for maintaining balance with social media versus continual immersive engagement that may compromise mental health over time. On-campus resources educating students about these relationships and empowering them to make informed choices could help optimize use of social platforms while minimizing potential risks. As social media continues playing a large role in the college experience, universities should consider proactive steps to support student emotional wellness in the context of digital technology. With continued research and wellness-focused interventions, risks may be mitigated and benefits maximized.
This paper reviewed current research examining links between social media engagement and mental health indicators among college students. Findings suggested consistent small associations between greater social media use, especially in compulsive forms, and depression, anxiety, social comparison and sleep issues. Early intervention programs teaching media literacy and balance held promise but require further study. Overall, while moderate engagement alone may not impact well-being, equipping students to manage social media strategically could help optimize its role on campuses today. Further research should continue exploring underlying mechanisms and effectiveness of wellness-focused initiatives.
Andrew Stroud