Exploring Hazard of Social Media Use on Adolescent Mental Health

Background: Previous studies have cautioned about the negative impact of social media use on the mental health of adolescents and emerging adults. In 2021, the National Institutes of Health Malaysia emphasized the urgent need to address digital-related mental health issues, which pose a significant gap in our understanding. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of research on the effects of social media addiction on the mental well-being of local adolescents. This study aims to examine the effect of social media use on mental health issues among adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods A total of 384 respondents voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study involving ten districts in Kelantan using the snowball sampling method. Results Analysed data finds social media addiction correlates significantly with depression, suicide ideation and self-esteem. Multiple regression analysis indicated that suicide ideation was predicted by social media addiction and depression but not self-esteem. Furthermore, social media moderates the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation. Conclusion Controlling social media use may prevent addiction and promote greater mental health among adolescents.