AN EXPLORATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

The use of information technology in the internet network among adolescents is very crucial and needs more attention today. In the era of technological development and communication, accessing the internet has become very easy. This is due to the need for access to information, communication, entertainment, lifestyle, and knowledge available through various social media. The majority of social media users are teenagers, but many still do not understand the impact of social media. Social media can have a negative impact on adolescents' mental health such as depression, anxiety, cyberbullying and sleep disorders. On the other hand, social media can also help adolescents' mental health by building social connections, increasing self-confidence, and gaining access to information about mental health.This study reviewed previous scientific literature on how social media impacts adolescent mental health. This study utilized the systematic literature review (LSR) method, which was complemented by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) approach. The keywords "social media", "mental health", and "adolescents" were used to search the literature in Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Science Direct. After the initial 150 articles were selected using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the PRISMA method was used. From the final result of articles discussing the influence of social media on adolescent mental health, 10 articles could be reviewed as they were relevant to the variables to be discussed. The current journal review found that excessive social media use can have negative effects on adolescents, including eating disorders, anxiety and depression.