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Exploring the Impact of Social Media on College Students' Mental Health 

Abstract

This study investigates the mental health challenges associated with excessive social media use among college students, focusing on two key factors: the anxiety and stress triggered by social comparison and the pressure to conform to unrealistic online ideals. A survey was distributed among college students in Taiwan, with 62 respondents, incorporating both closed-ended and open-ended questions, revealed that 50% of respondents frequently compared themselves to others on social media. It is suggested that college students can mitigate the negative effects of social media and cultivate greater emotional stability. The findings underscore the pervasive impact of social media on students' mental well-being, highlighting the importance of fostering self-acceptance and resilience. Encouraging students to step away from the toxic cycle of comparison and embrace their unique identities can help mitigate these negative effects and promote emotional stability.

I. Introduction

     “Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” This quote by Pema Chodron highlights the importance of maintaining emotional stability—a challenge for numerous college students in today’s hyperconnected, technology-driven world. Social media, once a tool for bridging gaps between friends and family, has transformed into platforms designed to maximize user engagement and time,  frequently fostering addictive behaviors. Popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter now play a central role in shaping users' social lives, especially for young adults navigating new environments and relationships.  ​

     For college students, social media offers a means of connection and self-expression. However, it has also amplified the fear of missing out (FOMO) and heightened pressures to conform to unrealistic standards. These factors contribute to widespread mental health challenges, including increased anxiety, stress, and diminished self-worth. The problem is particularly concerning, given the crucial developmental stage college represents for forming a sense of identity and autonomy.  ​

     While research has explored social media's effects on mental health, few studies focus on how it increases anxiety and stress through social comparison and conformity, especially among college students. This study examines these impacts, highlighting the pressures of constant comparison and unrealistic online ideals. It argues for greater awareness and strategies to reduce these harms, promoting emotional stability and authentic self-expression.

II. Methods 

     The survey targeted college students in Taiwan. A questionnaire was distributed online through Instagram stories and Facebook survey groups, resulting in 62 responses. Most respondents 72 % of respondents were female, the age distribution with mainly sophomores(53.2 %), followed by juniors, freshmen, seniors. (see Figure 1). Focusing on diverse demographics such as gender and academic year to ensure the results were relevant and meaningful.

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     The survey included a combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions. Closed-ended questions, such as “Which social media platforms do you use the most?” and “How often do you feel anxious or stressed because of what you see on social media?” explored social media usage and its connection to anxiety, were visualized with pie charts to identify patterns and common concerns. Open-ended questions, like “How has social media influenced individuality and self-worth?” and “What advice would you give to those struggling with social comparison?” encouraged deeper reflections on the issue, analyzed using thematic analysis, grouping answers into broader themes. This dual approach provided both quantitative data and personal insights, offering a comprehensive view of how social media impacts college students’ mental health. The findings highlight a critical issue: many students struggle with poor mental health due to excessive social media use, emphasizing the need to reduce usage to protect and improve long-term mental well-being.

III. Findings

Increased anxiety and stress

     This section provides findings of the online questionnaire “Exploring the Impact of Social Media”, organized into responses to closed-ended questions, followed by thematic insights from open-ended responses.  Excessive social media usage significantly impacts college students' mental health by fostering anxiety, stress, and diminished self-worth, as revealed by both quantitative data and personal experiences from the survey. The survey revealed notable patterns of social media overuse among college students. All respondents reported spending over an hour daily on social media, with a notable 18.2% using it for over five hours per day, highlighting excessive usage (see Figure 2).

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     This overuse aligns with studies linking prolonged screen time to negative mental health outcomes. Simply put, it is undoubtedly true that “more social media use was linked to greater odds of having an anxiety disorder” (Vannucci, Flannery, & Ohannessian, 2017). Social media's addictive nature, emphasizing prolonged engagement and fostering unhealthy comparisons, further exacerbates anxiety and stress among young adults (Parkash, 2023). Excessive exposure to social media's unrealistic portrayals of appearance, achievements, and lifestyles fosters feelings of inadequacy. These unrealistic standards contribute to stress and anxiety, which, if left unmanaged, can lead to severe consequences such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or even clinical depression. Furthermore, anxiety disorders may result in social isolation, hinder daily functioning, and impair a person's ability to work or study. As one respondent noted, “I often feel like I’m falling behind when I see others' achievements on social media.”​

     Open-ended responses further illuminate the psychological toll of social media. Recurring themes included the pressure to emulate perfect lives, the damaging effects of negative comments, and the relentless pursuit of validation. Respondents shared personal experiences that highlighted pervasive anxiety: “Seeing perfect pictures online makes me question if I’m good enough,” and “Negative comments make me doubt myself even more, and it’s hard to ignore them.” These insights reveal how social media fosters harmful comparisons and undermines self-worth. Students often feel pressured to meet unrealistic standards, resulting in overwhelming stress and anxiety. The data clearly demonstrates that excessive social media usage exacerbates these issues among college students, emphasizing the urgent need for moderation and mindful usage to safeguard mental health in the long term.

Social comparison leading to pressure to conform 

     Moreover, the findings show that the massive usage of social media leads to social comparison. Discussed by Meier and Johnson (2022) in Current Opinion in Psychology, social media is often believed to exacerbate social comparison, envy, and well-being. By fostering conformity and pressuring students to join certain trends, social media steers them away from personal interests and values, while encouraging social comparison. The survey revealed significant patterns of social comparison driven by frequent social media use: 67.7% of respondents agreed that social media pressures them to compare themselves with others (see Figure 3),  illustrating how social comparison lowers self-worth, highlighting its impact on students’ mental health. This comparison often leads to negative self-assessments, with respondents reporting feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. According to the American Psychological Association, “Negative social comparison, especially on social media, may place individuals at risk for rumination, which in turn can lead to depressive symptoms” (Feinstein et al., 2013). The responses based on the open-ended question also revealed similar findings. One participant shared, “When I see the internet filled with beautiful girls, I start to doubt my appearance. Comparing myself to others' glamorous lives makes me feel ordinary and uninteresting.” Another shared, “The constant comparison on platforms like Instagram makes me measure my life against others’ highlight reels, which lowers my self-esteem.”Social media creates a competitive environment, compelling students to conform to societal standards at the expense of their individuality.

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     Many respondents expressed feeling pressured to participate in activities or adopt behaviors solely to fit in, even if they did not enjoy them. One student remarked, “I feel pressured to join events or engage in behaviors just to fit in, even if I don’t enjoy them.” Another shared, “The constant comparison on platforms like Instagram makes me measure my life against others’ highlight reels, which lowers my self-esteem.” The long-term effects of this conformity are concerning—students risk losing their authentic selves and unique passions, trading individuality for a temporary sense of belonging. These findings underscore the need to foster self-awareness and encourage students to reconnect with their true interests. Respondents suggested strategies such as building self-confidence, focusing on personal growth, and reducing social media usage to combat these pressures. Shouldn't we all be more mindful of the overuse of social media?

V. Discussion and Conclusion 

     This study strongly supports the thesis that excessive social media use harms college students' mental health by increasing anxiety and stress through social comparison and the pressure to conform. Over 50% of respondents reported frequent comparisons with others (see Figure 3), which triggered feelings of inadequacy and stress. Additionally, 18.2% of students spend over five hours daily on social media (see Figure 2). As a general recommendation for adults, Keshner (2023, October 8) suggests limiting leisure screen time—including social media—to less than two hours per day. This data aligns with research linking prolonged use to negative mental health outcomes.

     However, some respondents noted positive aspects of social media, such as fostering connection and motivation. One participant shared that social media helped them stay in touch with friends, reducing feelings of loneliness. While these views challenge the idea that social media is solely harmful, they were not as prevalent as the negative responses. Furthermore, some students mentioned that social media trends inspired them to pursue healthier lifestyles or personal goals, presenting a potential benefit. However, this doesn’t negate the larger issue of the pressure to conform and the impact on self-worth.

     In conclusion, everyone is unique, and finding inner peace and self-expression requires deliberate effort. Start by being yourself—focus on your own values instead of constantly comparing yourself to others (Neff, 2011). Embrace your unique passions and pursue interests that genuinely resonate with you rather than seeking external validation, as this can lead to greater well-being (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Lastly, prioritize building authentic connections with people who offer genuine support and encouragement, rather than relying on superficial social validation (Holt-Lunstad, Smith, & Layton, 2010).

    True fulfillment comes not from fitting in, but from embracing and expressing your authentic self. By fostering individuality and maintaining a healthy relationship with social media, students can better navigate the challenges of modern life while staying true to who they are.

VI. References

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