A STUDY ON SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION AND DEPRESSION AMONG SCHOOL GOING STUDENTS

Abstract

The findings reveal a significant negative association between social media addiction and depression among school-going students. Contrary to popular belief that social media addiction exacerbates depression, the results suggest that higher levels of social media addiction are associated with lower levels of depression in the study sample. This unexpected finding highlights the complex and potentially bidirectional nature of the relationship between social media use and mental health. 35 Gender Differences in Social Media Addiction and Depression The study found no significant gender differences in levels of social media addiction and depression among school-going students. Both male and female students exhibited similar patterns of social media use and depression, suggesting that these experiences are not significantly influenced by gender. This finding implies that interventions targeting social media addiction and depression should be inclusive and address the needs of all students, regardless of gender. Implications for Mental Health Interventions The negative correlation between social media addiction and depression suggests that social media use may have nuanced effects on adolescents' mental health. While excessive use can lead to negative outcomes, moderate use might provide social support and connection, potentially reducing feelings of depression. Therefore, mental health interventions should consider the context and patterns of social media use rather than viewing it as inherently harmful.