The Harmful Effects of Social Media Addiction on Mental Health: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the harmful effects of social media addiction on the mental health of students and to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon.

Methodology: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 university professors specializing in educational psychology, counseling, and educational sciences. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and theoretical saturation criteria. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software, and main and sub-themes were extracted from the data.

Findings: The results of the study indicated that social media addiction has widespread negative effects on students' mental health. These effects were categorized into four main areas: personal harm, relational harm, educational harm, and behavioral harm. Additionally, eight sub-categories were identified, including sexual problems, cultural conflict, individual and social isolation, maladjustment, academic decline, academic procrastination, personality distortion, and social abnormality.

Conclusion: Social media addiction can lead to serious psychological and behavioral issues among students. This study highlights the need for effective interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on mental health and to raise awareness among students and parents about this issue. The findings can also guide policymakers in developing effective strategies to manage and reduce social media addiction.