Social Media and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing: Investigating the Impact of Online Connectivity on Psychological Health

Abstract

Background: The growing use of social media among adolescents has raised concerns about its impact on mental well-being. In Sri Lanka, where digital connectivity is expanding rapidly among youth, understanding the psychological effects of online engagement is crucial. Although social media offers opportunities for connection and support, excessive or unregulated use is linked to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Objective: To explore the relationship between social media usage patterns and psychological well-being among adolescents, aged 10-19 years Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted among 120 adolescents from selected secondary schools using convenience sampling. Participants completed a validated, self- administered questionnaire assessing social media usage, screen time, and psychological wellbeing (using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Data from 120 adolescents were analysed. The mean±SD age of the participants was 16.1±1.2 years, and 65% were females. The mean±SD of the daily screen time on social media was 4.5±1.3 hours. Approximately 52% reported frequent feelings of anxiety or low mood. A significant negative correlation was observed between time spent on social media and WHO-5 well-being scores (r=-0.41, p<0.01), indicating that increased usage was associated with lower psychological wellbeing. Pearson correlation also revealed that nighttime usage was significantly correlated with poorer sleep quality (r=-0.37, p<0.01) and higher emotional distress (r=0.39, p<0.01). Conclusion: Excessive social media usage is associated with reduced psychological wellbeing among adolescents. The findings underscore the importance of digital literacy education and mental health promotion in schools to foster healthier online habits.