EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG ADULTS IN KAZAKHSTAN: A CROSS SECTIONAL PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Introduction. Previous investigations have shown that the presence and use of SM affects aspects of a person's life, both negatively and positively. The purpose of our study was to examine the association between the amount of screen time, multiple use of SM and level of engagement with SM on mental health of young people in Kazakhstan, focusing on positive mental health, and adjusting for the effect of demographic and health behaviors factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was used as the study design. Data were collected from December 2023 through January 2024. The inclusion criteria were age from 18 to 35 years old and having a profile in any SM. Questionnaire consisted of 30 questions. Positive mental health (PMH) was measured using Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS) scale; depression and anxiety with one-item questions. A total of 235 people participated. Linear and logistic regression were performed for multivariate analysis to predict PMH, depression and anxiety (p<0.05). Variables were also checked for interactions and multicollinearity. Results. Being moderately or not addicted to social media has a positive relationship with PMH. Individuals who spend more than 7 hours of time on social networks and have moderate to severe fear of missing out have increased odds of depression. Furthermore, those who consider themselves very addicted to social networks have higher odds of having anxiety. Conclusion. High amount of screen time and addiction to SM has been found to negatively impact psychological health. Whereas, moderate use of social networks, on the contrary, improves PMH. Further studies are recommended to examine how the nature of the content affects psychological health. In order to improve positive mental health and reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms, moderate use of social media, adequate quality sleep, and exercise are recommended.