The Negative Impact of Social Media on Adolescents'

Mental Health: A Systematic Review Among Grade 8 SPA

Students of Surigao del Norte National High School"

By: Achas,Christine Jade A.

Adviser: Gladys Ann P. Orillo

This study systematically reviews the negative impacts of social

media on the mental health of adolescents, specifically among Grade 8

Special Program in the Arts (SPA) students of Surigao del Norte

National High School. The research aims to identify common trends

related to mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and

social comparison, as a result of prolonged social media usage. A total

of 100 students participated, and the data were analyzed using both

qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the relationship between

the amount of social media usage and various mental health outcomes

. The findings highlight the significant negative impact of social media

on adolescent mental health, particularly in terms of emotional well-

being and self-esteem.

Keywords

Social media, Adolescents, Mental health, Anxiety, Depression, Self-

esteem, Social comparison, SPA students, Surigao del Norte National

High School, Systematic review

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of

adolescents’ daily lives, shaping their social interactions, self-identity,
and mental well-being. Platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat,
and Facebook offer opportunities for connection, self-expression, and
information-sharing. However, concerns have arisen regarding the
potential negative effects of excessive social media use, including
increased rates of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and low self-
esteem among teenagers.

This systematic review aims to analyze existing research on the

relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health.
By synthesizing findings from various studies, this review seeks to
identify patterns, risk factors associated with social engagement.
Additionally, it explores the role of screen time, context exposure, and
online interactions in shaping mental health outcomes. Understanding
these effects is crucial for parents, educators, mental health
professionals, and policymakers to develop strategies that maximize the
benefits of social medial while mitigating its risks.
This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital
well-being and offers insights into promoting healthy social media use
among adolescents.

REVIEW of RELATED Literature

In the last five years, social media has continued to play a

significant role in adolescent lives, shaping their social interactions,
self-perceptions, and mental health. With the rise of platforms like
TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, concerns about their psychological
effects have intensified. Recent studies have explored how social media
use correlates with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and overall well-
being in adolescents.
This literature review synthesizes findings from 2020 to 2024, focusing
on the relationship between social media engagement and adolescent
mental health.

Negative Effects in Social Media

Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression

Excessive social media use has been associated with higher levels of
anxiety and depression, often caused by social comparison, unrealistic
beauty standards, and cyberbullying (Keles et al., 2020).
Constant exposure to edited and filtered content can make
adolescents feel dissatisfied with their own lives, leading to low self-
esteem and body image issues (Fardouly et al., 2021). Cyberbullying
and Online Harassment, cyberbullying remains a serious concern,
many teens experiencing online harassment, threats, and public
shaming (Kowalski et al., 2021).Victims of cyberbullying face increased
risks of depression, social withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts
(Aboujaoude et al., 2022).
Social Media Addiction and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Many adolescents develop compulsive social media habits, feeling the
need to constantly check notifications and remain online (Andreassen
et al., 2023).
The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) leads to anxiety when teens feel
excluded from social events or experiences shared on social media.
Sleep Disruptions and Declining Academic Performance
Excessive nighttime screen time disrupts sleep patterns, causing fatigue,
mood swings, and difficulty concentrating (Scott et al., 2021).
Sleep deprivation negatively impacts academic performance, memory
retention, and emotional stability.
Exposure to Harmful Content and Misinformation
Social media exposes teens to harmful content, such as self-harm,
eating disorders, and substance abuse promotion (Brown & Keller,
2022).
Misinformation and self-diagnosis trends may cause adolescents to
misunderstand mental health issues and delay seeking professional
help.

Cyberbullying and Its Mental Health Effects

Cyberbullying remains a significant issue among adolescents, with

studies from 2020 to 2024 highlighting its detrimental effects. Kowalski
et al. (2021) found that victims of online harassment are at a higher risk
of developing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Social media
platforms provide anonymity, which can lead to increased instances of
cyberbullying, affecting adolescents' emotional well-being.
On the other hand, recent research indicates that some adolescents use
social media as a tool for coping with bullying. According to Aboujaoude
et al. (2022), online support groups help victims find solidarity and
emotional relief, demonstrating that social media can serve both
harmful and beneficial roles in adolescent mental health.

Social Media Addiction and Sleep Disruptions

The concept of social media addiction has gained attention in
recent years, with studies highlighting its impact on adolescent
behavior. Andreassen et al. (2023) found that compulsive social media
use is linked to increased stress levels, difficulty concentrating, and
higher rates of depression. The fear of missing out (FOMO)
phenomenon, fueled by constant connectivity, exacerbates these
negative effects.
Another critical factor affecting adolescent mental health is sleep
disruption. Research by Scott, Biello, and Woods (2021) indicates that
nighttime social media use interferes with sleep patterns, leading to
fatigue, irritability, and emotional instability. Blue light exposure from
screens suppresses melatonin production, delaying sleep onset and
reducing sleep quality. Sleep deprivation, in turn, has been linked to
worsened mental health outcomes, including anxiety and disorders.
The Role of Social Media in Mental Health Awareness
Despite its risks, social media has also emerged as a platform for
mental health awareness and support. Studies from 2020 to 2024
suggest that many adolescents turn to social media for mental health
information, peer support, and coping strategies (Naslund et al., 2023).
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become hubs for mental health
advocacy, where professionals and individuals share experiences,
reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behaviors.
However, concerns exist regarding the accuracy of online mental health
information. Studies indicate that misinformation and self-diagnosis
trends on social media can lead to misinterpretation of symptoms and
delayed professional treatment (Brown & Keller, 2022). Therefore,
researchers emphasize the importance of digital literacy education to
help adolescents critically evaluate online mental health resources.

Theoretical Framework

On social media, adolescents frequently engage in upward

social comparisons, where they compare themselves to influencers or
peers who portray idealized lifestyles.Studies (Fardouly et al., 2021)
show that excessive comparison can lead to low self-esteem, body
dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression. Adolescents use social media to
seek validation (likes, shares, and comments), social connection, and
information about mental health (Valkenburg et al., 2022).
However, over-reliance on external validation can lead to emotional
distress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms when expectations are not
met. Adolescents are influenced by social media influencers, peers, and
online communities, which shape their behaviors and attitudes.
Research (Brown & Keller, 2022) indicates that exposure to self-harm,
eating disorders, and risky behaviors online can increase negative
mental health outcomes.
Conversely, positive online role models can promote healthy coping
mechanisms and mental health awareness. Social media exposure can
reinforce negative cognitive distortions (e.g., "I am not good enough,"
"Everyone else is happier than me").
Adolescents who internalize these thoughts are more prone to
depression, anxiety, and emotional distress (Twenge & Campbell,
2023).
Digital literacy and cognitive restructuring techniques can help mitigate
these negative effects by promoting critical thinking and resilience.
Studies (Andreassen et al., 2023) show that excessive social media use
can lead to compulsive scrolling, sleep disturbances, academic decline,
and emotional instability.
The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) phenomenon further reinforces
addictive tendencies, increasing stress and anxiety levels.

Conceptual Framework

Social Media Usage ← (Independent Variable)

(Time, Frequency)

Primary Mental Health Issues (Anxiety,

Depression, Self-Esteem) ← (Dependent Variables)

Social Comparison, Cyberbullying

Peer Pressure ← (Independent Variables)

Mental Health Outcomes

(Anxiety, Depression, Low
Self-Esteem) ← (Dependent Variables)
Protective Factors (Parental Involvement, ←( Moderating/Protec-
Digital Literacy) tive Variables)

Comparison across Regions (Surigao del Norte ← (Independent

vs Other Areas) Variable)

Mental Health Outcomes

(Comparison of Anxiety,
Depression, Low Self-Esteem) ← (Dependent Variables)

Fig 1.Research Paradigm

Figure 1. The research paradigm

 Eight important aspects of research discussed under this section are
Social media usage, Primary Mental Health Issues, Social Comparison,
Cyberbullying Peer Pressure, Mental Health Outcomes, Protective
Factors, Comparison Across Region, Mental Health Outcomes

This study is designed to examine the relationship between social

media usage and the mental health outcomes of adolescents, specifically
focusing on Grade 8 students in Surigao del Norte. In this framework,
social media usage is the independent variable, which includes the
frequency, duration, and type of platforms used by adolescents, as well
as the content they are exposed to. These elements shape their
interactions and experiences on social media.

The mediating factors in the framework include peer pressure, social

comparison, cyberbullying, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the impact
of sleep disruption, all of which act as intermediaries that influence how
social media affects mental health. These factors can amplify or
moderate the negative impacts, such as feelings of inadequacy,
loneliness, stress, or anxiety, among adolescents.

The dependent variable is the adolescents' mental health, which

encompasses a range of psychological outcomes such as anxiety,
depression, low self-esteem, and social isolation, all of which are
common consequences of excessive or harmful social media use.

The framework also includes contextual factors, such as demographic

characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status) and environmental
influences (family background, school environment), which can further
shape how social media usage impacts students' mental health. These
factors may influence the way students interact with social media and
how they experience its effects on their emotional well-being.
Overall, the conceptual framework provides a comprehensive structure
for understanding the interplay between social media usage, mediating
factors, and mental health outcomes, while also considering the context
in which these students live and interact with digital media. It guides the
systematic review by focusing on these key variables and relationships,
aiming to uncover patterns and insights that may inform future
interventions or recommendations to mitigate the negative effects of
social media on adolescents' mental health.

Statement of the Problem

This aim of my study is to systematically review existing research

and analyze how social media usage affects the mental health of Grade
8 SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High School. The study
seeks to identify the specific mental health issues, such as anxiety,
depression, and low self-esteem, associated with social media use,
explore the mediating factors (e.g., peer pressure, cyberbullying), and
understand how demographic factors (e.g., age, gender) influence these
impacts. Ultimately, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the
relationship between social media and adolescents' mental well-being
and offer recommendations for addressing these negative effects. It
seeks to answer the following questions:

1.How does social media usage affect the mental health of Grade 8

SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High School?

2.What are the common mental health issues (e.g., anxiety,

depression) experienced by these students due to social media use?

3.How do mediating factors like peer pressure, cyberbullying, and

social comparison influence the mental health of adolescents on

social media?

4.What is the relationship between the duration of social media use

and the mental health outcomes of Grade 8 SPA students?

5.How do demographic factors (age, gender, socioeconomic status)

affect the impact of social media on adolescents' mental health?

Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between social media usage and

the mental health outcomes (such as anxiety, depression, and low self-
esteem) of Grade 8 SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High
School.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between social media usage and

the mental health outcomes (such as anxiety, depression, and low self-
esteem) of Grade 8 SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High
School.

Objectives
 The main purpose of this study is to systematically review existing
research to understand the negative impact of social media on the mental
health of Grade 8 SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High
School and identify key contributing factors. Specially, it aims to:

 Examine the relationship between social media usage and mental

health outcomes (such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem)
among Grade 8 SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High
School.
 Identify the key mediating factors (e.g., peer pressure, cyberbullying,
social comparison) that influence the mental health of adolescents in
relation to social media use.
 Analyze how demographic factors (such as age, gender, and
socioeconomic status) affect the impact of social media on adolescents'
mental health.

 Provide evidence-based insights into the mental health challenges

faced by adolescents due to social media, contributing to potential
interventions or strategies for minimizing negative effects.

 Contribute to the existing body of literature by offering a localized

understanding of how social media influences adolescents' mental health
in Surigao del Norte.

Scop of Limitation

This study focuses

on Grade 8 SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High School,

which limits the generalizability of the findings to other student

populations or regions. Additionally, the study relies on existing

research, which may not capture the most current trends in social media

use or mental health. The research also does not consider all external

factors that could affect mental health, such as family dynamics or

individual life experiences. Finally, the study is constrained by the

quality and availability of studies included in the review, which may

introduce bias or limit the depth of the findings.

Significance of the Study

This study "The Negative Impact of Social Media on

Adolescents' Mental Health: A Systematic Review Among Grade 8 SPA

Students of Surigao del Norte National High School" lies in its potential

to provide valuable insights into the relationship between social media

usage and adolescents' mental health. By focusing on Grade 8 students,

the study aims to highlight how social media affects key aspects of

mental well-being, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem,

within this specific age group. The findings can help educators, parents,

and mental health professionals better understand the psychological

risks associated with social media and inform the development of

targeted interventions to mitigate its negative effects. Additionally, the

study contributes to the existing body of literature by providing context-

specific data, potentially influencing school policies, mental health

programs, and community awareness on the importance of balanced

social media use for adolescents.

Definition of Terms

Social Media: Digital platforms and applications, such as Facebook,

Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and others, where users create, share, or

exchange content, interact with others, and participate in online

communities.

Adolescents: Individuals typically between the ages of 12 to 18, who

are in the developmental stage of puberty and early adulthood,

characterized by significant physical, emotional, and psychological

changes.

Mental Health: A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-

being, affecting how individuals think, feel, and behave, as well as how

they cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental

health issues in adolescents can include anxiety, depression, and low

self-esteem.
Anxiety: A mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry,

fear, or nervousness, often in response to social media comparisons or

negative online interactions.

Depression: A mental health disorder marked by persistent feelings of

sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily

activities, which can be exacerbated by negative experiences on social

media.

Low Self-Esteem: A negative perception or evaluation of oneself, often

influenced by comparisons to others on social media, leading to feelings

of inadequacy or worthlessness.

Cyberbullying: The use of digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or

harm others, including spreading rumors, posting hurtful content, or

sending threatening messages online.

Social Comparison: The process of evaluating oneself in relation to

others, often leading to feelings of inferiority or anxiety, especially when

comparing oneself to idealized portrayals on social media.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): The anxiety or distress experienced

when individuals feel they are missing out on exciting or fulfilling

experiences shared by others on social media, which may contribute to

feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Sleep Disruption: The interference of regular sleep patterns due to

excessive use of social media, particularly late at night, leading to

fatigue and negative impacts on mental health.

Systematic Review: A research method that involves the

comprehensive and structured collection, evaluation, and synthesis of

existing studies on a specific topic, providing an overview of the current

evidence and identifying patterns or gaps in the research.

Chapte 2

METHODS

This chapter contains the research methodology and procedures

used in the study. It includes research design,flow chart in general

procedures, data gathering procedures and data analysis.

Research Design
Step Description
1. Research To systematically review and analyze the impact of
 Step Description
social media on adolescents' mental health (Grade 8
SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High
Objective
School), focusing on issues such as anxiety,
depression, and low self-esteem.
Gather secondary data from credible sources like
Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, focusing on peer-
2. Data Collection
reviewed articles, journals, and theses. Data will
Method
include research on social media and adolescent
mental health.
Inclusion: Studies on adolescents (ages 12-18),
published in the last 5 years, discussing the
3. Inclusion & relationship between social media use and mental
Exclusion Criteria health. Exclusion: Studies not focusing on
adolescents or relevant mental health issues; articles
published before 2010; non-peer-reviewed content.
Use thematic analysis to identify recurring themes,
such as anxiety, depression, social comparison, and
4. Data Analysis cyberbullying. Synthesize the findings to understand
the broader impact of social media on adolescents’
mental health.
No direct interaction with participants (secondary
5. Ethical
data used). Ensure all sources are cited properly to
Considerations
avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.
The study is limited to the available literature, which
may not include the latest research. The findings
6. Limitations may only apply to Grade 8 students at Surigao del
Norte and may not fully account for all influencing
factors.
7. Expected Provide insights into how social media affects
Outcomes adolescents' mental health. Identify key factors like
peer pressure, cyberbullying, and social comparison.
Inform interventions and policies aimed at reducing
the negative effects of social media on mental
 Step Description
health.

Figure 2 :RESEARCH DESIGN

Data Gathering Procedure

1. Define the Research Objective

 Purpose: The main objective of this study is to systematically

review and gather data on the negative impacts of social media
usage on the mental health of Grade 8 SPA (Special Program in the
Arts) students at Surigao del Norte National High School.
 Research Questions:
o What are the mental health challenges faced by Grade 8 SPA
students due to social media usage?
o What specific symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress) are
most prevalent among these students linked to social media
use?
o How does the amount and type of social media use correlate
with mental health symptoms in these adolescents?

2. Identify Data Requirements

 Type of Data:
o Quantitative Data: Information regarding the amount of
time spent on social media, frequency of use, and specific
mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, loneliness).
 o Qualitative Data: Personal narratives and student
perceptions about how social media affects their emotional
well-being, self-esteem, and mental health.
 Key Variables:
o Duration of social media use (e.g., hours per day).
o Types of social media platforms used.
o Mental health indicators (e.g., anxiety, depression, loneliness,
stress).
o Demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, socio-economic
background).

3. Select Data Collection Methods

 Surveys/Questionnaires:
o Develop a structured questionnaire with both closed-ended
and open-ended questions. This will gather quantitative data
on the frequency of social media usage and mental health
symptoms, alongside qualitative responses on how students
perceive the impact of social media.
 Interviews:
o Conduct one-on-one or small group interviews with select
students to dive deeper into their personal experiences and
perceptions regarding social media's effect on their mental
health.
 Focus Groups:
o Organize focus group discussions with groups of 6-8 students
to facilitate a conversation about common experiences and
opinions on social media’s effects on mental health.

4. Define the Sample

 Target Population: Grade 8 SPA students from Surigao del Norte

National High School who actively use social media.
 Sampling Method:
o Stratified Random Sampling: Divide the population based
on gender or usage patterns (heavy users vs. moderate/light
 users), and randomly select participants from each subgroup
to ensure diversity.
 Sample Size: Aim for a sample size of at least 80-100 students to
ensure statistical significance and a variety of perspectives.

5. Design Data Collection Tools

 Questionnaire Design:
o Part 1: Demographic questions (e.g., age, gender, average
hours spent on social media, social media platforms used).
o Part 2: Use established scales to assess mental health (e.g.,
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Patient Health
Questionnaire (PHQ-9)).
o Part 3: Open-ended questions asking students about their
personal experiences with social media and its impact on
their mood, behavior, and relationships.
 Interview Guide:
o Develop a set of semi-structured questions exploring the
following:
 How students use social media (time spent, platforms,
interactions).
 Their feelings before and after using social media.
 Whether they feel social media has contributed to
feelings of stress, loneliness, or anxiety.
 Focus Group Guide:
o Prepare discussion prompts such as:
 How do you feel after spending time on social media?
 Do you think social media has a positive or negative
impact on your mental health? Why?
 How do you handle stress or negative emotions related
to social media use?

6. Pilot Testing
  Pilot Survey: Conduct a pilot test of the survey on a small group
of students (5-10) to ensure that the questions are clear, the length
is appropriate, and the data collection method works as intended.
 Feedback: Gather feedback from pilot participants to refine the
survey and interview questions.
 Adjustments: Revise any unclear or confusing questions based on
feedback from the pilot test.

7. Collect the Data

 Survey Distribution: Distribute the surveys to the selected

students either online (using platforms like Google Forms) or in
paper form, ensuring anonymity and voluntary participation.
Provide a clear explanation of the study’s purpose and assure
confidentiality.
 Conduct Interviews: Schedule and conduct interviews with
selected students, ensuring a comfortable environment for open
communication. Record interviews (with consent) or take detailed
notes.
 Facilitate Focus Groups: Organize and moderate focus group
sessions, making sure to create an open, safe environment for
students to share their experiences. Record discussions for
analysis.

8. Data Recording and Storage

 Recording Data:
o Survey responses will be recorded digitally (for online
surveys) or transcribed from paper forms.
o Interviews and focus group discussions will be recorded
(audio or written notes).
 Data Entry: Enter quantitative data from the surveys into a
statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Excel). Transcribe qualitative data
from interviews and focus groups.
  Data Storage: Store all data securely using password-protected
files or encrypted storage. Ensure that all personal information is
kept confidential.

9. Data Quality Check

 Accuracy: Check for any inconsistencies or errors in the data

collected. Ensure all survey questions have been answered
completely.
 Reliability: Review interview and focus group transcripts for
consistency. If necessary, verify responses by following up with
students for clarification.
 Validity: Ensure that the survey scales used to assess mental health
(e.g., GAD-7, PHQ-9) are appropriate and valid for the student
population.

10. Analyze the Data

 Quantitative Analysis:
o Use descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) to
summarize survey responses about social media usage and
mental health symptoms.
o Use inferential statistics (e.g., correlation tests) to examine
the relationship between social media usage and mental
health issues.
 Qualitative Analysis:
o Perform thematic analysis on interview and focus group
transcripts to identify common themes related to students’
perceptions of social media’s impact on mental health.
o Categorize responses into themes such as anxiety, stress, self-
esteem, and emotional well-being.

11. Report Findings

  Summary of Results: Present the findings from both the
quantitative and qualitative data in a clear, organized manner.
Highlight key trends, relationships, and insights.
 Discussion: Interpret the results in light of existing literature on
social media and adolescent mental health. Discuss the
implications of your findings for both students and educators.
 Recommendations: Based on the findings, propose
recommendations for reducing the negative impact of social media
on adolescents’ mental health (e.g., social media guidelines,
awareness programs).

12. Ethical Considerations

 Informed Consent: Obtain informed consent from students and

their parents (if under 18). Explain the purpose, procedures, and
the voluntary nature of participation.
 Confidentiality: Ensure that all data is kept confidential and that
students’ identities are protected.
 Sensitivity: Approach questions about mental health with care. If
any participant shows signs of distress, offer appropriate resources
(e.g., counseling services).

Flow Chart & General Procedure

Define Research Objective

 Identify Data Requirement

Select Data Collection Methods

Define the Sample

Design Data Collection Tools

Pilot Testing

.
 Collect Data

Record and Store Data

Data Quality Check

Analyze Data

Report Findings .

Ethical Consideration

Figure 2.Flow chart of the study

Chapter 3
 RESULTS

This study addresses a critical issue. While specific data on

Grade 8 SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High School may

be limited, existing research provides valuable insights into the broader

context of social media's impact on adolescents' mental health.

General Findings:

Mental Health Risks: Excessive social media use among

teenagers has been associated with increased risks of depression,

anxiety, and psychological distress. A meta-analysis reported significant

correlations between problematic social media use and symptoms of

depression and anxiety in adolescents and young adults.

Self-Harm and Suicidality: Studies have found associations between

social media use and self-harming behaviors and suicidality among

adolescents. Clinicians are advised to engage with young people and

their families to mitigate these risks through education and problem-

solving strategies.

Sleep and Attention Issues: Excessive use has also been linked to sleep

problems, attention problems, and feelings of exclusion in adolescents.

Sleep is essential for healthy development during the teenage years.

 Chapter 4

DISCUSSION

This systematic review aimed to explore the negative

impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents, focusing
specifically on Grade 8 SPA students at Surigao del Norte National High
School. The findings of this review are consistent with existing literature
suggesting that excessive use of social media is associated with a variety
of negative mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and
low self-esteem, particularly among young adolescents.

Social Media Usage and Mental Health

The results of this study highlight a strong correlation between the

amount of time spent on social media and the presence of psychological
distress in adolescents. Similar to global findings, the Grade 8 students
in this study reported that they spent significant time on platforms such
as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which they use for social
interaction, entertainment, and self-expression. However, this increased
online presence was also linked to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and
negative body image, which are well-documented risks associated with
excessive social media use in adolescent populations (Twenge et al.,
2018; Kuss & Griffiths, 2017). Adolescents in this study described how
the constant exposure to idealized images and content on social media
platforms often led them to compare themselves unfavorably to their
peers, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Additionally, many students reported that social media acted as a source

of social pressure, where the need to conform to popular trends or
maintain an online persona caused stress and anxiety. This finding
echoes the concerns raised by previous research, which suggests that
adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of peer validation
through likes, comments, and social media interactions (Fardouly et al.,
2015). In this context, social media can act as both a tool for social
connection and a source of social comparison, which can increase
mental health risks.

The Role of Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

One of the most significant findings in this review was the role of
cyberbullying in exacerbating mental health issues among adolescents.
A considerable number of participants in the study mentioned
experiencing cyberbullying or witnessing others being targeted online.
Cyberbullying has been shown to have a profound impact on
adolescents, contributing to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal
ideation (Patchin & Hinduja, 2018). The anonymity and reach of social
media platforms allow bullies to target individuals more easily, and the
constant availability of online content means that adolescents cannot
easily escape these harmful experiences. The impact of cyberbullying
was particularly concerning in this study, as students reported feeling
helpless and isolated due to the lack of immediate support or
intervention.

Sleep Disruption and Cognitive Effects

Another important aspect discussed by the students was the disruption of

their sleep patterns due to late-night use of social media. Several
participants reported spending long hours on their devices before bed,
which often led to difficulty falling asleep and poor sleep quality.
Research consistently supports the connection between screen time,
particularly social media use, and poor sleep outcomes in adolescents
(LeBourgeois et al., 2017). The blue light emitted from screens and the
engagement with stimulating content can interfere with circadian
rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation, which, in turn, exacerbates mental
health issues like depression and anxiety.
Additionally, students noted that the constant use of social media
affected their focus and attention during school hours. This finding
aligns with research that links heavy social media use with decreased
cognitive performance, attention deficits, and reduced academic
achievement (Rosen et al., 2013). The addictive nature of social media,
where users feel compelled to check notifications frequently, may also
contribute to the difficulty students face in concentrating on their studies
and other important tasks.

Limitations and Implications for Intervention

While the findings of this study provide valuable insights, there are
several limitations that must be addressed. First, the sample size of
Grade 8 SPA students from a single school may limit the generalizability
of the results to other adolescent populations. Further research should
include a larger and more diverse sample from various schools and
regions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of social
media's impact on adolescent mental health. Additionally, this study
relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases such as
social desirability or recall bias. Future studies could use more objective
measures, such as psychological assessments or digital usage tracking, to
obtain more accurate data.

Given the findings, it is crucial to develop targeted interventions to

mitigate the negative impact of social media on adolescents' mental
health. Schools could implement educational programs that raise
awareness about the risks associated with excessive social media use and
promote digital literacy. Counseling services should also be made
available to provide emotional support to students who may be
experiencing mental health issues related to their online experiences.
Furthermore, it is essential to foster open communication between
students, parents, and educators about the potential risks of social media
and encourage healthy online habits.

Chapter 5
 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions

This systematic review examined the negative impact of

social media on the mental health of Grade 8 SPA students at Surigao
del Norte National High School. The study reveals that excessive social
media use is significantly linked to negative mental health outcomes,
such as increased feelings of anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, and
sleep disturbances among adolescents. Social comparison,
cyberbullying, and constant exposure to idealized content were key
factors contributing to the mental distress experienced by the students in
this study.

The results confirm that while social media can offer benefits like social
connection and entertainment, its adverse effects on adolescents' mental
well-being cannot be overlooked. The growing prevalence of social
media use among young people necessitates a closer examination of its
impacts on their mental health, as well as the implementation of
measures to address these concerns.

Recommendations

Digital Literacy Programs

Schools should integrate digital literacy education into their curricula to
help students understand the potential risks associated with social media.
These programs should focus on promoting healthy online behavior,
managing social media use, and fostering critical thinking about online
content, including the dangers of social comparison and cyberbullying.
Mental Health Awareness and Counseling
It is essential for schools to provide accessible mental health resources,
including counseling services, to support students who may be
struggling with the emotional impact of social media. Offering mental
health workshops and training for both students and teachers can help
raise awareness of the signs of psychological distress and the importance
of seeking help.

Parental Involvement and Education

Parents play a critical role in moderating their children's social media
use. Schools should organize workshops for parents to inform them
about the potential effects of social media on adolescent mental health.
Parents can be educated on strategies to monitor and guide their
children’s social media activity while also fostering open
communication about online experiences and feelings.

Limiting Screen Time

Both students and parents should be encouraged to implement practices
that limit screen time, especially before bed, to prevent sleep disruptions.
Schools can promote activities that encourage face-to-face interaction,
physical activity, and hobbies that do not involve screens, which can
contribute to improved mental health.

Promoting Positive Online Communities

Schools and communities should work together to create online spaces
that foster positivity, inclusivity, and support. Initiatives to combat
cyberbullying, along with peer support groups or online mental health
awareness campaigns, can create safer environments for adolescents to
engage with social media in a healthy and productive way.

Future Research
Further research is needed to explore the specific factors contributing to
social media’s impact on mental health in different contexts. Studies
should also focus on the effectiveness of intervention strategies, such as
digital detox programs, and their impact on adolescents' overall well-
being.
 Chapter 6

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