Online Communication and Mental Well-being: A Narrative Review of Positive and Negative Review of Positive and Negative Effects

The use of online communication has become a significant aspect of social life and is a factor that affects social relationships, support-seeking, self-presentation, and belonging. Meanwhile, digital interaction can also bring about a sense of social comparison, cyberbullying, information overload, and sleep disturbances. This narrative review explores the potential for online communication as a positive or negative influence on mental health, and theoretical frameworks that are offered to understand the opposing impacts. Social Comparison Theory, the stress-buffering model of social support and Uses and Gratifications Theory, as well as prior studies on social networks and well-being are drawn upon. The review implies that the impact of online communication is not necessarily good or bad. The impact will vary based on the goal and intensity of use, the nature of the content encountered, person's vulnerabilities and the relationship between on-line and off-line relationships. Perceived support can be bolstered with an active and meaningful interaction, while passive browsing and negative or comparison interactions can be linked to lesser well-being. The paper calls for evaluating patterns of use instead of screen time, and suggests the need for digital literacy, supportive online settings, and additional research that takes into account variations in users.