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Social Media Usage and Mental Health
Social media usage in psychology refers to the interaction and engagement of individuals with online platforms designed for social networking and content sharing. The impact of social media on well-being has become a prominent area of study within the field of psychology. It encompasses the examination of how the frequency, duration, and nature of one’s online interactions can influence various aspects of mental and emotional health.
Social media usage and well-being are interconnected in complex ways. Positive aspects may include social support, community building, and the facilitation of communication and self-expression. However, negative consequences can arise, such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and the potential for addiction.
Research in psychology often investigates the relationship between social media use and well-being by examining factors like self-esteem, loneliness, anxiety, and overall life satisfaction. The findings are mixed, highlighting the importance of individual differences, usage patterns, and the quality of online interactions.
Psychologists explore the psychological mechanisms underlying social media effects, such as the role of social validation, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the impact of curated online personas on self-perception. Additionally, the temporal aspects of social media usage, including the potential for sleep disruption and constant connectivity, are considered in understanding the broader impact on well-being.
In this questionnaire, we have organized the questions into three main categories, known as subscales. Each of these subscales focuses on specific aspects related to social media usage and well-being. To help us gather more correct and meaningful information, we have included scales for each question.
A scale is a set of response options that allows you to express the extent to which you agree or disagree with a statement or show the frequency of a particular behaviour. For example, you might be asked to rate your agreement on a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 show ‘strongly disagree’ and 7 shows ‘strongly agree.’
Subscale 1: The Impact of Social Media On Emotions
Social media has both positive and negative effects on individuals’ overall quality of life, psychological and emotional well-being. Among the positive effects are easy communication, information sharing, community connection, and seeking emotional support. On the other hand, negative effects may include pressure arising from social comparisons, factors such as follower count and likes, social isolation and feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, obsessive behaviour, cyberbullying, and digital fatigue.
The impact of social media on well-being is a complex issue as individuals’ social media experiences and effects can vary. While some may experience the positive effects of social media, others may meet negative effects. What is important is for individuals to use social media in a healthy manner, balance the real world with the virtual world, and develop good digital well-being.
High Values: Shows a strong belief that social media negatively affects mental health.
Low Values: Shows a belief that social media has a positive or neutral impact on mental health.
Sample Questions:
1.My well-being is negatively influenced by comparing myself to others on social media.
2. I am supported and connected to others through my interactions on social media.
3.Social media use has a positive impact on my social relationships and connections
Subscale 2: Social Support and Connection
Social Support and Connection, refer to the impact of engaging with online platforms on individuals’ mental and emotional health through the lens of interpersonal relationships. This dimension explores how the interactions within social media environments contribute to feelings of connectedness, the quality of social support received, and their combined influence on overall well-being. It investigates how the use of social media platforms either enhances or detracts from individuals’ sense of belonging, emotional support, and the strength of their social connections, thereby shaping their overall psychological and emotional state.
High Values: Reflects an intense sense of social support and connection through social media interactions.
Low Values: Shows a lower sense of social support and connection through social media.
Sample Questions:
1. Social media enables me to stay informed about current events and news.
2. Social media helps me keep relationships and stay connected with friends and family.
3. I use social media regularly.
Subscale 3: Social Comparison and Self-Esteem
Social comparison refers to the tendency of individuals to evaluate themselves in comparison to others, and social media supplies a constant stream of information that eases these comparisons. The platform serves as a virtual stage where people highlight their achievements, lifestyles, and positive experiences, potentially influencing others’ feelings of their own lives.
This comparison process can affect self-esteem, which is the overall subjective evaluation of one’s own worth. Social media interactions may contribute to fluctuations in self-esteem as individuals gauge their popularity, success, and social standing based on the content shared by others. Positive interactions, such as receiving likes and positive comments, may enhance self-esteem, while negative interactions or perceived inadequacies in comparison to others can have adverse effects.
High Values: Reflects a tendency to engage in frequent social comparison on social media, leading to lower self-esteem.
Low Values: Shows a lower tendency to engage in social comparison and potentially higher self-esteem.
Sample Questions:
1. I often compare myself to others on social media.
2. Seeing others’ achievements on social media make me think inadequate.
3. My self-esteem is negatively affected by what I see on social media.
The initial pool of questions, with the division into subscales and information if the item is reversed
Subscale 1: The Impact of Social Media On Emotions
1-Engaging in supportive online communities can improve emotional well-being.
2-Excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
3-The number of likes and comments on my posts affects my overall self-esteem.
4-Real-world connections are compromised due to the emphasis on online interactions.
5-Social media fosters a culture of instant gratification, affecting patience and emotional resilience.
6-The fear of missing out (FOMO) is intensified by social media, negatively changing emotions.
7-The curated nature of social media profiles can create unrealistic expectations, affecting emotions.
8-Cyberbullying on social media has a detrimental impact on mental health.
9-The frequency of social media usage has a positive impact on my self-esteem.
10-Social media fosters a culture of comparison, hindering genuine connections and empathy.
11-My self-esteem is negatively affected by what I see on social media.
12-Negative comments or feedback on my social media posts make me question my self-worth.
Subscale 2: Social Support and Connection
1-Social media helps me feel more connected with friends and family.
2-I feel a sense of community and belonging when engaging with social media.
3-Social media allows me to share and receive advice on personal matters.
4-Social media interactions enhance my social support network.
5-Participating in social media activities strengthens my relationships with others.
6-Social media supplies emotional support during challenging times.
7-Social media can positively influence emotions by supplying a platform for positive interactions.
8-Social media allows me to express myself and share my thoughts with a supportive audience.
9-I perceive social media as a valuable tool for keeping relationships.
10-Overall, I consider social media to be a reliable source of social support.
11-I am supported and connected to others through my interactions on social media.
12- The curated nature of social media profiles can create unrealistic expectations, affecting emotions
Subscale 3: Social Comparison and Self-Esteem
1-I often find myself comparing my achievements to those of others on social media.
2-Social media enhances my satisfaction by sharing my achievements by other social media users.
3-Comparing my appearance to others on social media influences how I think about my own body image.
4-I feel pressure to present an idealized version of my life on social media to gain approval.
5-Receiving positive feedback on my social media posts boosts my self-esteem.
6-I see myself as a person with many competences regardless of how others present themselves on social media.
7-Comparing my social life to others on social media affects my self-worth.
8-It is a boost to my self-esteem when my social media posts receive a high number of likes.
9-Online validation through likes and comments can have a significant impact on my self-acceptance.
10-The constant comparison on social media contributes to feelings of inadequacy.
11-I often worry about how my achievements compare to those of my peers on social media.
12-Engaging with others on social media helps alleviate feelings of loneliness.
13- I am supported and connected to others through my interactions on social media.
14- Seeing others’ success on social media makes me think less accomplished in my own life.
15- Interacting with others on social media positively affects my overall well-being
16-I feel a stronger sense of connection with my online friends compared to offline relationships.
The Questionnaire Given To The Judges
|
№ |
QUESTIONS |
SUBSCALE |
JUDGEMENT 1 |
RATE 1 |
JUDGEMENT 2 |
RATE 2 |
JUDGEMENT 3 |
RATE 3 |
MEAN |
|
1 |
Engaging in supportive online communities can improve emotional well-being |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
Excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
1,66 |
|
3 |
The number of likes and comments on my posts affects my overall self-esteem. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
1,66 |
|
4 |
Real-world connections are compromised due to the emphasis on online interactions. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
1,33 |
|
5 |
Social media fosters a culture of instant gratification, affecting patience and emotional resilience. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
1,66 |
|
6 |
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is intensified by social media, negatively changing emotions. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
2 |
|
7 |
The curated nature of social media profiles can create unrealistic expectations, affecting emotions. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
1,66 |
|
8 |
Cyberbullying on social media has a detrimental impact on mental health. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
1,66 |
|
9 |
The frequency of social media usage has a positive impact on my self-esteem. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
1,66 |
|
10 |
Social media fosters a culture of comparison, hindering genuine connections and empathy. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
1 |
|
11 |
My self-esteem is negatively affected by what I see on social media. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
1,33 |
|
12 |
Negative comments or feedback on my social media posts make me question my self-worth. |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
2 |
|
13 |
Social media helps me feel more connected with friends and family. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
1,66 |
|
14 |
I feel a sense of community and belonging when engaging with social media. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
1,66 |
|
15 |
Social media allows me to share and receive advice on personal matters. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
2 |
|
16 |
Social media interactions enhance my social support network. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
1,33 |
|
17 |
Participating in social media activities strengthens my relationships with others. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
1,66 |
|
18 |
Social media supplies emotional support during challenging times. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
1,66 |
|
19 |
Social media can positively influence emotions by supplying a platform for positive interactions. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
1,66 |
|
20 |
Social media allows me to express myself and share my thoughts with a supportive audience. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
2 |
|
21 |
I perceive social media as a valuable tool for keeping relationships. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
2 |
|
22 |
Overall, I consider social media to be a reliable source of social support. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
1,33 |
|
23 |
I am supported and connected to others through my interactions on social media. |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
2 |
|
24 |
The curated nature of social media profiles can create unrealistic expectations, affecting emotions |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
1,33 |
|
25 |
I often find myself comparing my achievements to those of others on social media. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
1,33 |
|
26 |
Social media enhances my satisfaction by sharing my achievements by other social media users. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
2 |
|
27 |
Comparing my appearance to others on social media influences how I think about my own body image. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
1,66 |
|
28 |
I feel pressure to present an idealized version of my life on social media to gain approval. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
1,33 |
|
29 |
Receiving positive feedback on my social media posts boosts my self-esteem. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
2 |
|
30 |
I see myself as a person with many competences regardless of how others present themselves on social media. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
1,66 |
|
31 |
Comparing my social life to others on social media affects my self-worth. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
1,33 |
|
32 |
It is a boost to my self-esteem when my social media posts receive a high number of likes. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
1,66 |
|
33 |
Online validation through likes and comments can have a significant impact on my self-acceptance. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
2 |
|
34 |
The constant comparison on social media contributes to feelings of inadequacy. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
1,33 |
|
35 |
I often worry about how my achievements compare to those of my peers on social media. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
1,66 |
|
36 |
Engaging with others on social media helps alleviate feelings of loneliness. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
2 |
|
37 |
I am supported and connected to others through my interactions on social media. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
1,33 |
|
38 |
Seeing others’ success on social media makes me think less accomplished in my own life. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
1 |
1,66 |
|
39 |
Interacting with others on social media positively affects my overall well-being |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
1 |
1,66 |
|
40 |
I feel a stronger sense of connection with my online friends compared to offline relationships. |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
Social Support and Connection |
1 |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
2 |
1,66 |
Kendall’s W and Interpretation
Kendall’s W = 0,3504 df = 39
Chi Sq = 40,9945 p = 0,5831
Kendall’ s W = 0.35, which means that there is almost no agreement between raters; p > 0.05, which means that the results are not significant. Therefore, there is no reason to reject the null hypothesis (H0).
Elimination Process
During the elimination process the primary focus was on the mean of the questions that were judged. Then the consistency in the identification of sub-scales was assessed.
According to this process 2 questions were excluded from the subscale ‘The Impact of Social Media On Emotions’ (questions № 10,11). In terms of question № 10 all of the judges gave a rating of 1, which reduced the mean to 1. Question № 11 was given a rating of 1 by two of the judges which lowered their mean to 1.33.
2 questions were excluded from the subscale ‘Social Support and Connection’ (questions № 22, 24). In terms of question № 22 and 24 were given a rating of 1 by two of the judges which lowered their mean to 1.33.
1 questions were excluded from the subscale ‘Social Comparison and Self-Esteem’ (question № 37). In terms of question № 37 were given a rating of 1 by two of the judges which lowered their mean to 1.33.
At the end of the elimination process, the number of questions decreased to 35.
Validity
1.This Social Media Usage and Mental Health should correlate positively with Social Media Use and Emotional Well-being: A Longitudinal Study”
2. This Social Media Usage and Mental Health should correlate positively with The Role of Social Media in Fostering Social Support Networks”
3. This Social Media Usage and Mental Health should correlate positively with “Social Comparison on Instagram and Its Effects on Self-Esteem”
Study Design and Sample
An online questionnaire with 35 questions on a 6-point Likert scale was created and filled out by a total of 50 individuals. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 65 with a mean age of 28.6 Females represented the majority at 66.7%, Males constituted 31.4% of the population and Non-binary individuals made up 2.0% The distribution of individuals included a significant population from Turkey (53.0%), French (34.7%) and German (10.0%).
Reliability
The results of a preliminary reliability test utilising Cronbach’s Alpha reveal an overall internal consistency for the questionnaire, with an initial coefficient of 0.789 which indicates that the survey reliably measures the intended constructs of The Impact of Social Media On Emotions Social Support and Connection Social Comparison and Self-Esteem. their Cronbach’s Alpha scores individually before any eliminations being 0.614, 0.742, 0.651w respectively.The elimination process involved initially considering items with negative correlations with the general score.
2 items were eliminated from the The Impact of Social Media On Emotions sub-scale (№ 12, № 6). Eliminating item № 12 increased Cronbach’s alpha to 0.639, removal of item № 6 raised Cronbach’s alpha to 0.702 and the sub-scale was left with 9 items.
3 items were eliminated from the Social Support and Connection sub-scale (№ 14, № 16, № 18) Eliminating item № 14 increased Cronbach’s alpha to 0.752, further removal of item № 16 raised Cronbach’s alpha to 0.775 and removing item № 18 increased Cronbach’s alpha to 0.789.And the sub-scale was left with 7 items.
5 items were eliminated from the Social Comparison and Self-Esteem sub-scale (№ 35 № 36, № 38, № 39, № 40). Removing item № 35 increased Cronbach’s alpha to 0.674, conversely, items № 36,38,39 were identified as not significantly contributing to internal consistency,№ 40 was identified as having little effect on the score while the sub-scale remained with 10 items.
The elimination of the aforementioned items resulted in an overall Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.815 which implies that the instrument is highly reliable and points to a good internal consistency
Final Result
|
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions |
Social Support and Connection |
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem |
|
Engaging in supportive online communities can improve emotional well-being |
Social media helps me feel more connected with friends and family. |
I often find myself comparing my achievements to those of others on social media. |
|
Excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. |
Social media allows me to share and receive advice on personal matters.. |
Social media enhances my satisfaction by sharing my achievements by other social media users. |
|
The number of likes and comments on my posts affects my overall self-esteem. |
Participating in social media activities strengthens my relationships with others. |
Comparing my appearance to others on social media influences how I think about my own body image. |
|
Real-world connections are compromised due to the emphasis on online interactions. |
Social media can positively influence emotions by supplying a platform for positive interactions. |
I feel pressure to present an idealized version of my life on social media to gain approval. |
|
Social media fosters a culture of instant gratification, affecting patience and emotional resilience. |
Social media allows me to express myself and share my thoughts with a supportive audience. |
Receiving positive feedback on my social media posts boosts my self-esteem. |
|
Engaging in supportive online communities can improve emotional well-being |
I perceive social media as a valuable tool for keeping relationships. |
I see myself as a person with many competences regardless of how others present themselves on social media. |
|
The curated nature of social media profiles can create unrealistic expectations, affecting emotions. |
I am supported and connected to others through my interactions on social media. |
Comparing my social life to others on social media affects my self-worth. |
|
Cyberbullying on social media has a detrimental impact on mental health. |
|
It is a boost to my self-esteem when my social media posts receive a high number of likes. |
|
The frequency of social media usage has a positive impact on my self-esteem. |
|
Online validation through likes and comments can have a significant impact on my self-acceptance. |
|
|
|
The constant comparison on social media contributes to feelings of inadequacy. |
-
-
-
-
-
-
Mean
SD
2.62
0.545
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sub-scale
Mean
SD
The Impact of Social Media On Emotions
2.52
0.421
Social Support and Connection
2.71
0.754
Social Comparison and Self-Esteem
2.82
0.606
-
-
-
-
*Author: Tarık Kaldirim
