Qualitative Investigation into the Mental Health Effects of Social Media among Educated Individuals

Abstract

In today’s digital era, social media has become an integral part of daily life, offering both opportunities and challenges for mental health. While it fosters social connections and provides platforms for sharing experiences, it also exposes users to risks like cyberbullying, information overload, and unhealthy comparisons. This qualitative study explores the nuanced relationship between social media usage and mental health within the educated Bengali community, focusing on individuals who engage with social media regularly and have experienced its negative effects. Using purposive sampling, seven participants aged 35 to 45 were selected, each with a minimum of two hours of daily social media usage and prior negative exposure. A focus group discussion was conducted, and the data was thematically analyzed to uncover both positive and negative perceptions of social media’s impact on mental health. Key findings reveal the dual nature of social media, highlighting its role in emotional support and mental health awareness, as well as concerns related to low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and social media addiction. The study emphasizes the need for digital literacy, early intervention, and responsible content creation as strategies to mitigate these risks.