The Role of Social Media in Shaping Mental Health: A Review of Positive and Negative Effects

Social media has become an integral component of modern life, significantly influencing communication, social interactions, and psychological functioning. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of both positive and negative effects of social media use on mental health. A narrative review of literature indexed in PubMed was conducted, including empirical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2015 and 2024. A total of 35 studies were included in the final analysis. The findings indicate that the impact of social media on mental health is complex and multidimensional. Negative outcomes include increased risk of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cyberbullying, and problematic social media use. These effects are often mediated by mechanisms such as social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and exposure to idealized content. Conversely, social media can also provide significant benefits, including enhanced social support, improved access to health information, and opportunities for self-expression and identity development. Importantly, the effects of social media are not uniform and depend on factors such as the intensity and type of use, individual vulnerability, and social context. Active and meaningful engagement appears to be associated with more positive outcomes, whereas passive consumption is more often linked to negative effects.