THE SOCIAL MEDIA'S EFFECTS UPON MENTAL WELL-BEING: INSIGHTS FROM YOUTH IN PAKISTANI CONTEXT

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the nuanced association of social media with mental health in young adults from Pakistan. Using a mixed-method approach of surveys and semi-structured interviews with 18–25-year-olds (young adults) from urban/rural areas. It investigates several determinants related to its use, like social comparison, cyberbullying, sleep disturbances, and benefits of using it. Through situating the research within this cultural framework, more nuanced sympathetic of whether social media translates to poor mental health that can be gained through proper evaluation. This research, presumptive in understanding the nuance behind mental health conversations, will serve as the valuable way to deliver potential risks and benefits from exposure to different social media ends. It is predictable that these insights will inform similar future public health interventions as well as strategies to elicit responsible social media use may help in reducing the detrimental impact & enhancing the positive effects of digital technology upon mental well-being of youth in Pakistan to cater to situation in tailor-made format.