A systematic review of social media impacts on mental health issues during covid-19 pandemic
List of Authors
  • Loh Wei Wen , Looi Yoke Wan

Keyword
  • social media, mental health, COVID-19, systematic review

Abstract
  • In the twenty-first century, technology is advancing at the speed of light, and people are increasingly dependent on it due to its ability to assist us in our daily routine conveniently and effectively. However, if not properly managed, the technology, such as the Internet, may deviate from its initial aim of benefit to a disadvantage that might affect individuals in the long run, such as mental health. The Internet enables social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to become increasingly popular. People spend a significant amount of time on it; hence, they may be influenced by false information on social media. This paper studies whether excessive social media exposure affects mental health and the purpose of using social media that affects mental health during COVID-19. This study uses a systematic review, with 30 articles examined and evaluated using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results support that excessive use of social media could harm people's mental health. Although social media could benefit people to get trustworthy information, it also spreads untrusty propaganda and emotional news that will affect their mental health. People should get enough time to rest from social media, which in the long term, harms their mental health.

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