Abstract: The present study aimed to examine the impact of social media usage on mental health among college students in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. With the rapid expansion of digital platforms, young individuals are increasingly exposed to prolonged screen time, which may influence their psychological well-being. A total of 200 students were selected using a purposive sampling technique and divided into two groups: high social media users (more than three hours per day) and low social media users (less than 30 minutes per day). Mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), a widely recognized instrument developed by Goldberg to measure psychological distress and well-being.

The findings revealed that students with high social media usage experienced significantly higher levels of stress, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms compared to low users. In contrast, students with limited social media exposure demonstrated better concentration, decision-making ability, and overall emotional stability. Statistical analysis using independent t-tests indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups across both positive and negative dimensions of mental health. The study highlights that excessive social media engagement may lead to adverse psychological outcomes due to factors such as social comparison, reduced face-to-face interaction, and disrupted sleep patterns. Conversely, controlled usage is associated with improved mental health outcomes. The findings emphasize the need for awareness regarding healthy digital habits and the promotion of balanced lifestyles among students. It is recommended that educational institutions and policymakers encourage responsible social media use to safeguard the mental well-being of young populations.
Keywords: Social Media, Mental Health, GHQ-12, College Students, Vidarbha Region, Stress, Depression, Digital Behavior

Downloads: | DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2023.101227