Influence of Social Media Addiction on Emotional and Mental Health Among Adolescents

This study explores the influence of social media addiction on the emotional and mental health of adolescents, with a specific focus on students from Government Higher Secondary School, Koduvayur, Palakkad. In the current digital age, adolescents are among the most active users of social media platforms. While these platforms facilitate communication and self-expression, excessive use has been associated with negative psychological effects. The research investigates the relationship between social media addiction and mental health factors such as anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem. A simple random sampling method was used to select participants from the student population, ensuring that every individual had an equal chance of being included. Data were collected through standardized psychological questionnaires. The findings indicate a significant correlation between high social media usage and emotional disturbances, including mood changes, sleep issues, and reduced academic focus. The study underscores the need for digital literacy, parental involvement, and mental health awareness to promote healthy and balanced social media use among adolescents.