Study Links Social Media Use To Poorer Mental Wellbeing Among Kashmir Students

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- A new study has found a negative relationship between social media use and psychological wellbeing among high school students in Kashmir, with higher levels of smartphone use, messaging and video gaming linked to increased anxiety and poorer mental health outcomes.

The research, published in the Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, examined the nexus between social media use and mental health among students in grades 7 to 12 in Kashmir.

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The cross sectional study surveyed 246 students from five schools across rural and urban areas, using structured questionnaires to assess patterns of social media use and psychological wellbeing.

According to the findings, overall social media engagement among students was relatively low. Only 3.6 percent reported moderate to high involvement in online friendships, 2.8 percent in video gaming, and 1.2 percent in frequent text messaging.

Despite the low overall use, specific digital behaviours were associated with poorer psychological wellbeing. The study found negative correlations between psychological wellbeing and smartphone use (r = -0.16, p = 0.012), internet searching (r = -0.19, p = 0.002), text messaging (r = -0.14, p = 0.031) and video gaming (r = -0.25, p < 0.001).

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The study also noted that 9.3 percent of students reported poor psychological wellbeing, while 35 percent had moderate mental wellbeing, suggesting that a significant proportion of students were experiencing mental health challenges.

Researchers observed clear differences in technology use across gender and age groups. Male students reported higher levels of smartphone use, media sharing, online friendships and video gaming, but recorded lower psychological wellbeing scores than female students.

Older students, particularly those in grades 10 to 12, were more likely to engage in various forms of digital activity than those in lower grades. The research also found a negative correlation between age and psychological wellbeing, indicating that mental wellbeing tended to decline as students grew older.

A section of the students also reported anxiety linked to technology access. More than 14 percent said they felt moderate to high anxiety when unable to send text messages, while over 17 percent reported similar anxiety when they could not make phone calls.

The research noted a broader trend of increasing technology use with age, accompanied by greater exposure to digital stress and online pressures.

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Researchers said the findings highlight the need for schools and policymakers to promote responsible technology use among adolescents. They recommended programmes to improve digital literacy, regulate screen time and provide mental health support services within schools.

The study concluded that while digital platforms can support communication, learning and social interaction, excessive and unregulated use may contribute to increased anxiety and reduced psychological wellbeing among students, underscoring the importance of balanced technology use.

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