A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA ON ADOLESCENTS IN SELECTED SCHOOLS OF DISTRICT- HISAR, HARYANA.

Author Name: 1. Sanju Sharma

Volume/Issue: 05/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/07.2024-46789957/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Nursing Tutor, Athina Nursing College Bhiwadi, Alwar, Rajasthan, India.

ABSTRACT

Social media's impact on adolescents' mental health is a growing concern. This study explores how social media use affects mental health in adolescents in Hisar, Haryana, examining its influence on anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Adolescence (13-17 years) is a vulnerable period. Social media use (2-3 hours/day) can lead to: o Increased anxiety, depression, stress o Decreased self-esteem, body satisfaction o Sleep disturbances, physical inactivity o Decreased attention span, academic performance This study explores social media's impact on mental health in adolescents (15-17 years). This study aimed to: o Assess anxiety, depression, and stress in adolescents (15-17 years) using DASS-42 o Explore social media's impact on mental health o Investigate demographic influences on social media-mental health link o Identify predictors of anxiety, depression, and stress o Inform strategies for healthy social media use and mitigating negative effects. Methods This descriptive study employed a cross-sectional design to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and stress) among school-going adolescents (15-17 years) in Hisar, Haryana. Sample and Sampling: A total of 100 adolescents (45 males and 55 females) were selected through convenience sampling from various schools in Hisar, Haryana. Participants were assured of confidentiality and anonymity, and informed consent was obtained from both participants and their parents/guardians. Data Collection Tools: o Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42): A standardized questionnaire assessing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. o Participant Demographics Questionnaire: A self-report questionnaire gathering information on demographic variables (age, gender, socioeconomic status, academic performance, and social media use habits). Procedure: o Participants completed both questionnaires in a quiet, comfortable setting. o The DASS-42 questionnaire was scored according to the standardized scoring system to obtain anxiety, depression, and stress scores. o Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to examine the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes, as well as demographic variables. Ethical Considerations: o Informed consent was obtained from participants and their parents/guardians. o Confidentiality and anonymity were ensured. o Participants were assured of the right to withdraw from the study at any time. By using the DASS-42 and Participant Demographics Questionnaire, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes among adolescents, while considering demographic variables. Key Findings: o 100 participants (45 males, 55 females) aged 15-17 o Social media use: 20% >2 hours/day, 80% <2 hours/day o No depression cases o Mild anxiety and stress in 6 participants, more common in excessive social media users Conclusion: o No link between social media use and depression o Excessive social media use may contribute to mild anxiety and stress o Further research needed to understand the relationship. In conclusion, this study investigated the impact of social media on mental health outcomes among school-going adolescents in Hisar, Haryana. The findings suggest that excessive social media use is associated with mild anxiety and stress, but not depression. Demographic variables like age and gender influence the relationship between social media use and mental health. The study highlights the need for responsible social media use habits and monitoring of adolescents' mental health. By understanding the complex relationships between social media use and mental health outcomes, we can develop strategies to promote healthy social media use and mitigate potential negative effects.

Key words: Social Media, Adolescents