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IMPACT OF THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION DISORDERS IN
YOUNG ADULTS
Pedro Moura Carias1
Evelyn Almeida do Nascimento2
Matheus Almeida Cabral dos Santos Lugão3
João Pedro Rocha Morozini4
Rebeca Leite Bicalho5
Carolina Garcia Lima6
Pedro Henrique Braga7
Evelyn Fernanda Santos8
Ana Luiza Cerutti Dutra9
Júlia Bandeira Lima10
Maycon Costa Pignaton11
Amanda Stein de Siqueira Varejão12
Camile Ventorim Giurizatto13
1 EMESCAM
2 Vila Velha University
3 EMESCAM
4 EMESCAM
5 Vila Velha University
6 UNIG Itaperuna
7 Vila Velha University
8 Bahia State University
9 Multivix Faculty Vitória
10 Vila Velha University
11 University Center of Espírito Santo
12 Vila Velha University
13 Vila Velha University
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Isadora Agrizzi Morais14
Maria Carolina de Oliveira Gomes15
Abstract: Social networks have transformed the way young adults relate, consume information and
construct their identities. Although these platforms provide opportunities for connection and learning,
their excessive use has been associated with the development of anxiety and depression disorders.
Prolonged exposure to unrealistic standards of life and beauty, social interaction mediated by screens and
technological dependence are factors that can compromise the mental health of this population. The aim
of this study is to analyze the impact of social media use on the development of anxiety and depression
disorders in young adults, identifying risk factors and opportunities for preventive interventions. This
study used a qualitative approach through a literature review, with the aim of analyzing the impact of
social media use on mental health. The focus was on psychological eects, patterns of behavior and
implications for quality of life, with an emphasis on young people and adolescents. Recent studies
indicate that excessive use of social networks is related to feelings of inadequacy, social isolation and
low self-esteem, factors that increase vulnerability to mental health disorders. Social comparison, fueled
by algorithms that prioritize highly visually appealing content, and cyberbullying emerge as recurring
triggers for anxiety and depression. In addition, the sleep disruption caused by using these platforms
at night aggravates psychological symptoms. Strategies such as promoting the conscious use of social
networks and developing emotional skills can reduce these negative impacts. Therefore, excessive and
unregulated use of social media can signicantly contribute to the increase in cases of anxiety and
depression in young adults. It is essential to promote digital education, limit usage time and create
awareness campaigns to mitigate the adverse eects of social media, protecting the mental health of this
age group.
Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Social Networks; Psychiatry.
14 University Center of Espírito Santo
15 University Center of Espírito Santo
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INTRODUCTION
The use of social media has become a signicant part of the everyday lives of young adults,
oering a platform for connection, sharing experiences, and accessing information. However, the
excessive or inappropriate use of these platforms has also raised concerns about mental health, especially
as it relates to the development of anxiety disorders and depression. Studies show that constant exposure
to social comparison content and the search for validation through likes and comments can intensify
feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, contributing to the emergence or worsening of these
disorders (Twenge et al., 2020).
In addition, social networks can act as stress ampliers, by creating a sense of hyperconnectivity
that makes it dicult to disconnect mentally and emotionally. This pressure to be constantly up-to-date
and accessible increases the risk of mental overload, which is often associated with the development of
anxiety symptoms. The phenomenon known as ‘’fear of missing out’’ (FOMO) is a common example
of how excessive use of these platforms can generate anxiety, by inducing individuals to believe that
they are missing out on important experiences or that they are not living satisfactorily (Przybylski et
al., 2013).
Another critical aspect is the impact of social media on sleep, which plays a crucial role in
emotional regulation and overall mental health. Studies indicate that the use of social networks, especially
before bed, is associated with worsening sleep quality and insomnia, factors that can exacerbate anxiety
and depression. This eect is particularly concerning in young adults, whose routine often involves
irregular sleep schedules, increasing vulnerability to these disorders (Levenson et al., 2017).
On the other hand, social media also oers potential benets, such as access to support groups
and mental health information. However, the line between healthy and harmful use is thin, and a lack
of awareness of the risks involved can lead to long-term negative consequences. Thus, understanding
the mechanisms through which social networks inuence the mental health of young adults is essential
to develop eective interventions and promote a more balanced use of these platforms (Huang, 2020).
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The objective of this work aims to analyze the impact of the use of social networks on
the development of anxiety and depression disorders in young adults, identifying risk factors and
opportunities for preventive interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
For the elaboration of this study, a qualitative approach was used through a literature review,
with the objective of analyzing the impact of the use of social networks on mental health. The focus
was on psychological eects, behavior patterns, and implications for quality of life, with an emphasis
on youth and adolescent populations.
1. Inclusion Criteria:
- Thematic Relevance: Studies on the impact of social networks on mental health, including
aspects such as anxiety, depression, subjective well-being, sleep disorders, and cyberbullying.
- Recent Publications: Articles published between 2013 and 2020 to ensure the timeliness of
the evidence.
- Methodology: Empirical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
2. Exclusion Criteria:
- Works without a direct focus on mental health or that deal only with technical issues about
social networks.
- Exclusively theoretical studies or with samples limited to populations unrelated to the theme.
- Publications in languages other than English or Portuguese.
3. Databases and Search Strategy:
Databases: PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Google Scholar.
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- Descriptors used:
- “social media”
- “mental health”
- “Depression and anxiety”
- “cyberbullying”
- “Sleep Disturbance”
- “adolescents and social media use”
- Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT were employed to rene the results.
4. Guiding Questions:
- How does the use of social networks inuence the mental health of adolescents and young
adults?
- What are the associations between social networks and problems such as depression, anxiety,
and sleep disorders?
- Are there benets associated with moderate social media use for psychological well-being?
THEORETICAL FOUNDATION
The impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults is multifaceted,
encompassing psychological, social, and behavioral factors. One of the main issues is the role of social
networks in intensifying social comparison. Studies indicate that young adults often compare their lives
to the idealized representations presented by others on digital platforms. This practice, which often
reects only positive and edited aspects of the lives of others, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and
dissatisfaction with one’s own life, contributing to the emergence of anxiety disorders and depression
(Verduyn et al., 2017).
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The relationship between the time of use of social networks and mental disorders is also relevant.
Research shows that prolonged use is associated with increased depressive and anxious symptoms,
especially when there is a strong emotional dependence on these platforms. Young adults who spend
more time connected tend to have fewer face-to-face social interactions, which can result in feelings of
isolation and loneliness, factors often correlated with mental health problems (Keles et al., 2020).
Another aspect to be considered is the eect of social networks on the development and
maintenance of cyberbullying. The digital environment can facilitate hostile behavior, such as oensive
comments, online social exclusion, and the spread of false information. These negative experiences can
lead to emotional trauma, worsening the mental health of young people. In addition, the anonymity
provided by some platforms often intensies the severity of cyberbullying, increasing the psychological
impact on victims (Kowalski et al., 2018).
In addition, the inuence of social networks on the sleep cycle of young adults is another
critical point. Frequent use of these platforms, particularly before bedtime, is associated with lower
sleep quality and a higher prevalence of insomnia. Exposure to blue light emitted by digital devices,
combined with the emotional stimulation provided by social networks, interferes with circadian rhythms
and impairs the rest necessary for emotional balance. Sleep deprivation, in turn, is directly related to
increased risk of disorders such as anxiety and depression (Hale and Guan, 2015).
On the other hand, social networks also have the potential for positive interventions. Online
support groups, mental health apps, and easy access to reliable information can help young adults
recognize early symptoms of disorders and seek help. However, for these benets to be maximized,
greater investment in digital education is needed, promoting the conscious and balanced use of social
networks, with a focus on reducing negative impacts (Naslund et al., 2020).
CONCLUSION
It is therefore concluded that the impact of the use of social networks on the development of
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anxiety disorders and depression in young adults is a complex issue, which reects both the challenges
and the opportunities brought by the digital age. Evidence shows that the excessive and inappropriate use
of these platforms can exacerbate social comparison, generate isolation, favor cyberbullying, and impair
sleep quality, creating a scenario conducive to the emergence and intensication of mental disorders.
These factors reinforce the need for a preventive and educational approach that promotes the balanced
use of social networks, as well as awareness of their risks.
At the same time, social networks oer potential benets, such as creating spaces for support,
disseminating mental health information, and expanding access to therapeutic interventions. To
maximize these positive eects, it is essential that educators, health professionals, and policymakers
work together to develop strategies that encourage the conscious use of digital platforms.
In short, while the challenges posed by social media to young adults’ mental health are
substantial, they also present a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change. By combining digital
education, early intervention, and accessible support, it is possible to mitigate the negative eects of
social media and use it as powerful tools to improve the psychological well-being of this population.
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