Impact of social media on mental health | 12 Shocking Facts

So, WE WAKE UP WITH MOBILE DATA AND INSTAGRAM nowadays. As soon as you wake up, grab your phone and instantly dive into a whirlwind of Instagram reels, WhatsApp updates, and Twitter trends. For millions of Indians, this ritual marks the start of their day.

Social media has seamlessly woven itself into our lives, connecting us to the world. Yet, beneath the filters and hashtags lies a growing concern: What is the impact of social media on mental health?

With over 800 million social media users in India (Statista, 2025), platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp are no longer just tools; they’re lifelines. But as screen time rises, so do anxiety, loneliness, and burnout. Let’s explore the double-edged sword of social media and its profound impact on India’s mental well-being.

What is Social Media Addiction?

Social media addiction is the excessive and uncontrollable use of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and others. It’s spending too much time on mobile phones, laptops, computers or tablets and interfering with daily life.

Research shows that social media can be as addictive as coffee, alcohol, smoking and behaviors like gambling or shopping. This addiction can affect work, relationships, responsibilities and overall quality of life.

In simple terms, social media addiction is the compulsive overuse of social media, difficulty in controlling its use, and sometimes disrupting daily functioning.

The Dual Impact of Social Media While social media has many benefits like staying connected, socializing and getting updates and information, excessive use can be harmful. People of all age groups, from children to the elderly are getting affected by social media overuse in this digital world.

Since avoiding social media completely is not possible in this digital era, it’s important to know how it affects mental health and find ways to use it in a healthy and useful way.

The Dopamine Loop

Social media’s addictive nature is often attributed to the “dopamine loop.” This loop leverages the brain’s reward system, primarily involving the neurotransmitter dopamine.

How it Works:

• Dopamine Release: Social media features like notifications, likes, and comments trigger dopamine release, creating pleasurable sensations.
• Reinforcement: This dopamine surge reinforces social media use, driving users to seek repeated rewards.
• Triggers: Specific triggers include:
  • Notifications (likes, comments, mentions).
  • Positive feedback on posts.
  • Anticipation of content engagement.

Potential Consequences of Excessive Use:

• Decreased attention span.
• Increased social comparison and anxiety.
• Reduced productivity.
• Sleep disruption.

Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on mental well-being. Excessive use may lead to addiction and various mental health issues. Below are some of the ways social media can affect your mental health:

Effect	Description
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)	Constant fear of missing updates and trends, leading to compulsive social media use.
Social Isolation	Spending excessive time online reduces real-life interactions, leading to loneliness.
Triggers Sadness & Depression	Lack of self-care and social bonding can lead to low mood and depressive feelings.
Continuous Comparison	The urge to keep up with trends may lead to unhealthy comparisons with others.
Jealousy & Negative Behavior	Comparing oneself to others may lead to jealousy, frustration, and mood swings.
Delusion & Overthinking	Overanalyzing social media content can create confusion and mental stress.
Disturbed Sleep	Scrolling through social media before bedtime disrupts sleep patterns.
Disorganized & Sedentary Lifestyle	Spending long hours on social media reduces physical activity, leading to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Binge Eating Behavior	Mindless scrolling can trigger unnecessary cravings, leading to overeating.

Current Mental Health Landscape

• Prevalence of Mental Disorders: 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental health disorders.
• Treatment Gaps: The treatment gap for various mental health conditions ranges from 70% to 92%.
• Urban vs. Rural Disparity:
  • Urban areas: 13.5% of the population is affected.
  • Rural areas: 6.9% of the population is affected.
  • Urban non-metro regions: 4.3% of the population is affected.

Social Media Addiction: The Rising Epidemic

A study by Deccan Herald says that 31.27% of users are so addicted to social media that their mornings don’t start without checking it. Moreover, 59.13% cannot imagine a day without it. 

• 40% of Indian parents have admitted that their children between 9 and 17 years are addicted to videos, gaming and social media.
• 45% feel anxious when away from their phones.

The lure of endless content, likes, and shares triggers dopamine spikes, creating a cycle of dependency. Younger generations are especially vulnerable, with teens spending up to 6 hours daily on apps, per a 2023 NCERT survey.

The prevalence of social media addiction was 36.9% among users from govt and private sector jobs. The most common health problem in all of them was strain on the eyes (38.4%), anger (25.5%), and sleep disturbance (26.1%). [A detailed study is here]

Mental Health Toll: Beyond the Screen

The impact of social media on mental health is alarming and the consequences are alarming:

• A 2023 BMC Psychology study linked heavy social media use to 30% higher rates of anxiety and depression among Indian youths.
• WHO reports that 7.5% of Indians suffer from anxiety disorders exacerbated by cyberbullying and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
• Constant comparison to curated lifestyles fuels low self-esteem, with 1 in 3 users feeling “inadequate” after browsing Instagram (ASHA Foundation, 2023).

Work, Productivity, and the Distraction Trap

Social media isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s hijacking productivity. A 2023 Assocham study found:

• 62% of Indian employees get distracted by social media at work, losing 2 hours daily.
• Multitasking between notifications and tasks reduces focus, increasing errors by 40%.

The myth of “productive” scrolling often masks procrastination. Frequent interruptions fragment attention spans, making deep work a rarity.

Qualitative Analysis of Social Media Usage

A thematic analysis was conducted by the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry to explore the reasons and patterns of social media use among students. The study included open-ended questions in an anonymous questionnaire, allowing students to express their views freely. This explains in detail the horrendous impact of social media on mental health. Responses were transcribed, analyzed, and categorized into key themes.

Theme 1: Reasons for Social Media Use

• “Being in a rural-based medical college with limited entertainment options, social media provides access to the world and serves as a source of entertainment.”
• “Social media allows my thoughts and creativity to be appreciated, which enhances my sense of well-being.”
• “Living far from home, social media helps maintain long-distance relationships. It is not just for entertainment but an essential part of my life.”

Theme 2: Connection Through Social Media

• “Social media is useful for staying updated with friends.”
• “I primarily use social media for chatting with friends.”
• “Video apps help me stay connected with family, reducing the emotional distance between home and my hostel.”
• “I have maintained a long-distance relationship for four years solely through Facebook.”

Theme 3: Face-to-Face vs. Social Media Communication

• “I struggle with direct interaction and prefer using social media for easier communication.”
• “Talking to girls was difficult for me, but social media has helped me communicate with them more freely.”
• “There is limited space for group discussions on campus, but social media has solved this issue.”

Theme 4: Patterns of Social Media Use

• “I frequently check WhatsApp for updates, news, and group meetings.”
• “Although people consider me introverted, I am very expressive on Facebook and check my updates every hour.”
• “I keep WhatsApp and Facebook open even during lectures as they are more engaging than classes.”
• “After dinner, I usually go to bed but stay online until 3 AM, chatting in groups on Facebook.”
• “I manage seven social media accounts and remain online across platforms, mostly observing silently.”
• “I prefer meeting new people on social media over interacting with known friends.”
• “My poetry gains encouragement from likes and comments on social media.”

More Shocks on the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Comparison of psychological and behavioural changes between social media addicts and non-addicts. [Complete report is here]

Psychological Changes

Psychological Changes	Addicts (n=113)	Non-addicts (n=453)	Total (n=566)
Anger	21 (18.42%)	62 (13.71%)	81
Lonely	13 (11.40%)	51 (11.28%)	64
Frustration	10 (8.77%)	50 (11.06%)	60
Anxious	11 (9.64%)	37 (8.18%)	48
Relief	10 (8.77%)	26 (5.75%)	36

Behavioural Changes

Behavioural Changes	Addicts (n=113)	Non-addicts (n=453)	Total (n=566)
Failure to eat regularly	14 (12.28%)	52 (11.50%)	66
Sleep disturbance	13 (11.40%)	49 (10.84%)	62
Neglect personal hygiene	11 (9.64%)	42 (9.29%)	53
Felt annoyed	8 (7.01%)	56 (12.38%)	64
Yelled at person	8 (7.01%)	23 (5.08%)	31
Nothing at all	81 (71.05%)	180 (39.82%)	261

Key Notes: Figures in parentheses indicate percentages | *indicates multiple responses.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Society in India

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 1.71 lakh people died by suicide in India in 2022, marking the highest suicide rate ever recorded in the country at 12.4 per 100,000 people.

Young Adults: The Most Vulnerable Group

• The 18-29 age group accounted for 34.6% of suicides, making them the most at-risk demographic.
• With the rise of social media, suicidal behavior among adolescents and young adults has become a growing concern.
• In the U.S., 95% of teenagers (ages 13-17) have used a social media platform, and over one-third reported using it “almost constantly.”

The Dark Side of Social Media: A Real Tragedy

In April 2024, a video of an eight-month-old infant in Chennai who had fallen onto a tin roof from a multi-story apartment complex went viral.

• The video was widely shared by Indian and international media, sparking outrage on social media.
• The child survived, but the mother faced severe online abuse, with people blaming her for negligence.
• Just a month later, she died by suicide at her parents’ home in Coimbatore.
• Police reports suggested that the online harassment had left her deeply depressed.
• This heartbreaking incident underscores the widespread reach of social media and the negative impact of online harassment.

The Unstoppable Growth of Social Media

Social media usage has expanded beyond expectations:

• In 2023, 4.9 billion people used social media worldwide.
• By 2027, this number is expected to rise to 5.85 billion users.
• On average, a person uses six to seven social media platforms.

Social Media Trends in India

• 398 million Indians aged 18+ actively use social media, making up 40.2% of the country’s population.
• 31.8% of India’s population actively uses Facebook.
• 67.5% of all internet users in India have engaged with at least one social media platform.
• The global average time spent on social media per person is 145 minutes per day.

This rapid growth in social media highlights its immense influence on people’s lives, making it crucial to address its mental health impact and promote responsible usage.

Social Media Addiction in Indian Youth

Social media addiction is a growing concern among Indian students, with 27% of teenagers experiencing dependency, leading to poor concentration, academic decline, and mental health issues (NIMHANS). The urge to constantly check notifications and scroll feeds reduces productivity and increases social isolation. 40% of students report sleep disturbances due to late-night social media use.

A 2022 ICSSR survey found that 65% of Indian teens compare themselves to influencers, which negatively affects their self-esteem. Unrealistic social media standards contribute to anxiety and dissatisfaction. Schools and parents play a crucial role in curbing this addiction through structured activities, digital detoxes, and screen-time limitations, which can reduce dependency by 30%.

Preventive & Supportive Strategies

• Education & Awareness: Schools should integrate media literacy and mental health education to address cyberbullying, misinformation, and online comparisons. A 2023 study found that 78% of students trained in responsible social media use showed improved digital habits.
• Support Networks: Peer counseling and social media support groups have reduced anxiety by 25% in pilot studies.
• Parental Involvement: Teens who openly discuss social media with parents are 35% less likely to experience cyberbullying (IAMAI report).

Digital Literacy: The Key to Safe Online Behavior

Many students lack digital literacy, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. Only 25% understand online privacy settings, while 52% share personal information unknowingly (Centre for Social Research). Digital literacy education can reduce misinformation susceptibility and improve online safety.

A Balanced Digital Future

With 72% of Indians projected to use social media by 2025, responsible usage is critical. While social media enhances communication and self-expression, overuse can harm mental health. A balanced approach—promoting awareness, regulation, and digital literacy—will help students use social media wisely.

How to deal with Social Media Addiction?

Dealing with social media addiction can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can implement to help manage your usage and regain control. It all depends on how you want it to affect your life. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your social media use. This could be limiting your time, focusing on specific platforms, or using social media for specific purposes (e.g., networking, staying informed).
2. Track Your Usage: Use apps or built-in features on your devices to monitor how much time you spend on social media. This awareness can help you recognize patterns and identify areas for improvement.
3. Establish Boundaries: Set specific times for social media use, such as limiting it to certain hours of the day. Avoid using social media during meals, before bed, or when spending time with family and friends.
4. Turn Off Notifications: Disable notifications for social media apps to reduce distractions and the urge to check your phone constantly.
5. Create a Schedule: Allocate specific times for checking social media, and stick to that schedule. This can help you avoid mindless scrolling.
6. Engage in Alternative Activities: Find hobbies or activities that you enjoy and can engage in instead of scrolling through social media. This could include reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors.
7. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, to help you become more aware of your impulses and reduce the urge to check social media.
8. Limit Access: Consider deleting apps from your phone or using website blockers to restrict access to social media during certain times of the day.
9. Reflect on Your Usage: Take time to reflect on how social media makes you feel. If you notice negative emotions or stress associated with it, consider reducing your usage further.
10. Seek Support: Talk to friends or family about your goals to reduce social media use. They can provide encouragement and hold you accountable.
11. Consider Professional Help: If you find it particularly difficult to manage your social media use, consider seeking help from a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.
12. Digital Detox: Consider taking a break from social media for a few days or weeks to reset your habits and gain perspective on your usage.

By implementing these strategies, you can work towards a healthier relationship with social media and reduce its impact on your daily life.

Conclusion

Social media is here to stay, but its impact on mental health demands mindful action. For India’s digitally connected generation, the key lies in balance—harnessing technology without letting it hijack our minds.

Let’s redefine our relationship with screens: prioritize real connections, set boundaries, and remember that life exists beyond the glow of notifications. Together, we can turn the tide from addiction to empowerment, ensuring that social media serves us—not the other way around.