EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION ON THE WELLBEING OF ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The sudden increase in adolescent use, which doubled in consistent use from 2015 to 2023, raises concerns about the effects of social media on wellness. Studies have shown that there are negative outcomes associated with social media addiction, including depression, anxiety, bullying, poor selfimage, insomnia, and fear of missing out (FOMO). Conversely, health knowledge, community building, self-expression, and connections can all flourish in the social media sphere. The impact of the four most popular social media platforms on fourteen distinct dimensions of health were investigated in this SPSS-based study. Instagram had the most negative impact and YouTube the most positive, according to the study. A tiny but positive correlation between internet use and wellbeing, particularly on YouTube, was also iscovered in the study. Impressively, most teens relied on their cellphones as their primary means of accessing social media. By utilizing a mixed-methods approach to examine emotional, psychological, and social aspects, this study delves into the impact of social media addiction on adolescents' well-being. Its objective is to provide valuable information for future studies and interventions that seek to unravel the intricate web of relationships among adolescents' well-being, social media use, and addiction.