Investigating the effects of social media on mental health and well-being amongst undergraduate students of University of Ilorin

Abstract

Social media is a versatile platform that facilitates connection, communication, knowledge sharing, and business activities among people. Despite its benefits, it has notable downsides, especially prevalent among the youth. Hence, this study focuses on investigating the effects of social media on undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin. Furthermore, the research investigated the relationship between social media use and mental health well-being, examining diverse digital behaviours across students within the different faculties. It highlights the mental health challenges linked to social media, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, while identifying specific platforms with significant impacts on mental well-being. The study also acknowledged the positive aspects of online interactions, emphasizing the support and sense of belonging they offer. This study advocates for improved focus on student mental health while evaluating mental health resources provided by the University of Ilorin, aiming to enhance support for digital natives and recommend strategies for a comprehensive understanding of this intricate relationship.