The Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health Among Africans

In recent years, social media use has grown exponentially, leading to concerns about its potential effects on mental health. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects of this relationship. Through a survey, 400 respondents in Abuja, Nigeria were used to examine the impact of social media on depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Results indicate a significant association between excessive social media use and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The study also found that passive social media consumption, such as scrolling through feeds without active engagement, was linked to lower self-esteem levels. The recommends amongst others that; researchers and media practitioners should work towards promoting positive online experiences and mitigating the adverse effects of social media on mental well-being.