Social Media Usage and its Effects on the Mental Health of Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University

Abstract

Background: The integration of social media into daily life has had profound implications for mental health, particularly among young adults in academic settings. This study investigates the patterns of social media use, internet addiction, and their association with mental health outcomes among undergraduate students of a federal government owned university in Nigeria.

Materials and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multistage sampling technique across various faculties. A total of 395 students participated, completing a structured questionnaire incorporating the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).

Results: The study found a high level of awareness and use of social media platforms, with WhatsApp, Instagram, and X being the most frequently used. Moderate internet addiction was significantly associated with poorer mental health (χ² = 29.670, p = 0.001), as was the perception of social media having a negative impact on academic performance (χ² = 22.457, p = 0.001). Significant associations were also observed between GHQ scores and variables such as sex and religion.

Conclusion and Recommendations: These findings highlight the need for institutional mental health support and digital wellness initiatives to promote responsible social media use among students.