Addressing Social Media's Impact on Student Identity and Mental Health

Wenda Asmita; Zakiah Azzahra Arsy; Nadia Wulandari; Khoirotun Nisa; Miftahul Fadhli

Authors

Wenda Asmita Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi
Zakiah Azzahra Arsy Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi
Nadia Wulandari Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi
Khoirotun Nisa Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi
Miftahul Fadhli Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi

Keywords:

Social Media, Identity, Mental Health, Literature Study

Abstract

Social media has emerged as a global phenomenon with a profound influence on students’ lives, particularly in shaping their identity and mental health. While it provides opportunities for interaction, self-expression, and easy access to information, it also presents serious psychological challenges. Excessive use of social media is often linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sleep disturbances, mainly due to social comparison, cyberbullying, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Students, being in a critical stage of identity development, are especially vulnerable to the pressure of crafting an ideal online persona and seeking social validation, which can hinder the formation of a healthy self-concept.This study aims to examine the impact of social media on students’ identity development and mental well-being through a comprehensive literature review. It also seeks to identify the underlying factors that influence this relationship and explore practical strategies that can be applied within the educational environment.The research method used is a literature study involving an in-depth analysis of academic sources such as journals, books, research articles, and digital publications. Relevant sources were obtained from academic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect using keywords related to social media, identity, mental health, and students. The analysis was conducted systematically by comparing findings from various studies to draw holistic conclusions. Findings suggest that unregulated social media use correlates with increased psychological distress among students. Nevertheless, when used mindfully, social media can foster identity exploration and social connectivity. Therefore, implementing interventions such as digital literacy education, mental resilience programs, and collaborative support from families, schools, and mental health professionals is essential to mitigate negative impacts and promote students’ mental well-being.

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