Impact Factor : 5.750 
PAPER ID: IJIM/Vol. 7(XII) April 2023/72-78 /11
AUTHOR : Manjeet
TITLE: SOCIAL MEDIA AND MENTAL HEALTH: INVESTIGATING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ONLINE INTERACTION AND INFORMATION CONSUMPTION
ABSTRACT: Online social networking has significantly altered human interaction and communication over the past decade. However, it is not yet known if some of these alterations may induce psychiatric problems by altering otherwise normal human behavior. Depressive symptoms have been related to prolonged use of social networking sites like Facebook. In addition, some researchers have shown a correlation between certain types of social media use and low self-esteem in young people. Despite these negative findings, some researches have shown that social networking can actually boost one’s confidence. Whether or not SNS use is associated with psychological suffering is still hotly contested, and researchers in this area face a number of challenges. This article provides a concise review of recent studies that point to a correlation between SNS and mental health issues such depression, altered self-image, and obsessive Internet use.
KEYWORDS: Social networking sites, mental health, online communication, Cognitive distortions