Background: Social networking serves as a two-sided coin; it offers advantages such as educational and social benefits, while its excessive or problematic usage can lead to psychological distress.Aims: This research was designed to evaluate the prevalence and patterns of social networking usage among healthcare students and to investigate the relationship between these usage patterns and psychological symptoms in these populations.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing questionnaires was administered to undergraduates at our institute.Information was gathered on demographic factors, social networking usage, and psychological symptoms through validated screening tools.Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the associations between social networking usage patterns and psychological outcomes.Results: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Paramedical undergraduates engaged in social networking more for academic, social, and informational purposes than MBBS interns.A comparison of the mean total social networking usage questionnaire (SNUQ) score and total Severity score on depression anxiety stress scale-21 (DASS-21) revealed a statistically significant difference among the three groups of students. Conclusion:The results highlight the prevalence of social networking usage alongside a notable psychological symptom burden.These findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted awareness campaigns, mental health screenings, and interventions to foster healthy social networking practices and enhance psychological well-being in this vulnerable demographic.
R et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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