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This study investigates the relationship between social media usage patterns and mental health outcomes among

students at National University of Malaysia. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 43

respondents among undergraduate students using Depression Anxiety Stress Scales DASS 21 and Internet

Addiction Test (IAT). The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. The analysis examined

associations between social media engagement and indicators of mental health, including anxiety, depression,

and overall psychological well-being. The findings reveal significant correlations between higher levels of social

media use and adverse mental health outcomes. Results from Pearson’s correlation was used to measure the

Keywords: resilience, depression, stress, anxiety, university students, mental health

The global landscape has undergone substantial transformations following the pre-COVID-19 era, navigating

through lockdowns and into contemporary post-pandemic lifestyles. Amidst this transition, reliance on the online

world has intensified, becoming increasingly central to daily life. The use of social media platforms, such as

blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and X, has transcended mere casual interaction or leisure. These

communication channels have become instrumental for public engagement including government outreach and

community interaction across all societal strata, from adolescents to adults and leaders. However, a significant

concern associated with this pervasive use is the potential for dependency, particularly as individuals adapt to

these new conditions and changes. University students, whose formative years have coincided with rapid

relationships, actively participate in social activities, and contribute effectively to the community. This definition

implies that mental health enables an individual or society to function optimally. In light of this, a critical question

arises: to what extent does social media use among students facilitate the cultivation of harmonious relationships,

inspire community engagement, and encourage societal contributions. A review of the literature, including work

by Hasbie et al. (2024), suggests that the advantages and disadvantages of social media are contingent upon

individual usage patterns. For instance, online communities and social media platforms can foster relationship

building, provide supportive networks and mitigate feelings of isolation. Furthermore, literature indicates that

social media holds potential as a platform for digital mental health interventions by disseminating information

to individuals who may be geographically remote or reluctant to seek traditional help. Conversely, negative

effects highlighted in the literature include excessive screen time particularly among youth, which has been

stakeholders, facilitating the development of effective interventions for mental health issues arising from social

media use and examining patterns of social media engagement that influence fluctuations in mental well-being.

More specifically, this paper explores the intricate relationships between internet addiction and the prevalence

of stress, depression, and anxiety among university students.

In academic discourse, “media” is conceptualized as a facilitative instrument or intermediary in communication

and relationships, while “social” pertains to aspects related to society. Consequently, social media refers to digital

platforms or applications that enable users to share information and engage in social interactions. The

proliferation of technology and the internet have rendered social media a ubiquitous global phenomenon

profoundly influencing modes of communication and human interaction. In Malaysia, specifically, the adoption

especially deep improve awareness about mental health. For example, various mental health awareness

campaigns are carried out through platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and other social media (Saha et al., 2019;

Xu et al., 2016; Hawn, 2009; Fergie et al., 2016). These campaigns not only help spread information which right

but also encourage discussion open about mental health issues. In addition, social media is also seen as a platform

for open discussion, especially for those who have experienced mental health issues. It has become a popular

forum for people to share opinions, advice, and information about mental health. (McClellan et al., 2016). These

platforms provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, get support, and feel like they are not

alone in their struggles.

Social media brings a new dimension to the development of healthcare as it is widely used by every level of

society and has the potential to become a platform to deliver information about health mentally (Moorhead et

Davis (2001) provides one of the most comprehensive explanations for how psychological vulnerabilities and

distorted thought patterns contribute to excessive and maladaptive Internet use. Davis argues that PIU is not

solely the result of time spent online but emerges from the interaction between distal factors—such as

psychopathology, social isolation, and situational cues—and proximal cognitive distortions that shape an

individual’s online behavior. These interacting components are illustrated in Figure 1, which outlines the

mechanisms underlying both generalized and specific forms of pathological Internet use.

Figure 1. Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Problematic Internet Use (Davis, 2001)

In this model, distal factors including psychopathology such as depression, social anxiety, and substance

dependence serve as underlying vulnerabilities that predispose individuals to developing maladaptive cognitions

related to Internet use (Davis, 2001). Research supports this assertion, with studies showing that emotional

distress and mental-health symptoms are strong predictors of PIU (Caplan, 2002; Young & Rogers, 1998).

The model also distinguishes between Specific Pathological Internet Use (SPIU) and Generalized Pathological

Internet Use (GPIU). SPIU refers to excessive engagement with particular online activities (e.g., gaming,

pornography, social media), whereas GPIU encompasses broad overuse across multiple online domains (Davis,

2001). Subsequent frameworks, such as the I-PACE model (Brand et al., 2016), expand on this distinction by

acknowledging the interplay of affective states, cognitive biases, and executive-control deficits. Regardless of

type, both SPIU and GPIU ultimately lead to a range of behavioral symptoms of PIU, including withdrawal,

tolerance, and functional impairment.

Overall, the Cognitive-Behavioral Model provides a foundational structure for understanding how stress,

anxiety, depression, and social factors contribute to problematic Internet behavior. Its emphasis on cognitive

distortions and psychological vulnerabilities continues to shape contemporary research and informs therapeutic

systematic measurement of variables and to identify the relationships between social media usage patterns and

mental health outcomes.

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The study was conducted at The National University of Malaysia. The location was chosen because it met the

criteria necessary to support effective data collection and provided access to a population relevant to the research

objectives.

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The target population consisted of undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled at The National University

of Malaysia. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants. Participants were recruited

voluntarily through online platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. No remuneration was

provided. Only individuals who met the inclusion criteria were allowed to participate:

• Students of The National University of Malaysia

Wales, Australia. The instrument comprises 21 items divided into three subscales: Depression, Anxiety, and

Stress. Each item is scored on a four-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (“Did not apply to me at all”) to 3

(“Applied to me very much or most of the time”). The scores for each subscale are summed to determine the

respondent’s levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The DASS-21 is widely used and has demonstrated strong

reliability and validity in assessing psychological distress.

Social media use was measured using selected items adapted from the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). The

instrument collected information on the duration of social media use per day, preferred social media applications,

and general patterns of online engagement. These variables were used to explore the influence of social media

use on mental health among university students.

was 1.712 with a p-value of 0.146, likewise showing no significant difference in internet addiction levels among

Overall, the ANOVA results demonstrate that there are no significant mean differences across the age groups for

the variables stress, anxiety, depression, and internet addiction. This indicates that age does not have a significant

influence on the levels of stress, anxiety, depression, or internet addiction among the respondents in this study.

Problematic Internet Use (Davis, 2001). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations

among all variables, indicating that higher levels of psychological distress are closely linked to increased

problematic internet use.

Consistent with Davis’s (2001) model, the findings demonstrate that stress is strongly correlated with anxiety,

depression, and internet addiction, suggesting that stress functions as an important distal factor contributing to

maladaptive online behavior. According to the model, distal factor such as psychopathology, social isolation, and

stressful life experiences predisposes individuals to developing maladaptive cognitions, which in turn influence

the development of both generalized and specific pathological internet use. The strong correlation between stress

and internet addiction (r = 0.596, p < 0.01) aligns with this theoretical pathway, implying that individuals under

stress may turn to the Internet as a coping mechanism, thereby reinforcing maladaptive cognitions and potentially

that these forms of emotional distress fuel the development of cognitive distortions related to the Internet.

Individuals experiencing anxiety may perceive online environments as safer or more controllable than offline

settings, while those with depressive symptoms may use the Internet to escape negative emotions or seek

temporary relief both of which are core mechanisms described in the model.

interconnected nature of these psychological conditions, which can intensify vulnerability to PIU. This supports

earlier findings that emotional distress often co-occurs, compounding the risk of developing maladaptive coping

strategies such as excessive Internet use (Tokunaga & Rains, 2010). Reinforcing situational cues such as

immediate feedback from social media, stimulating online games, or constant connectivity further strengthen

these maladaptive patterns, as described by Kardefelt-Winther (2014).

Moreover, the Cognitive-Behavioral Model’s distinction between Specific Pathological Internet Use (SPIU) and

Generalized Pathological Internet Use (GPIU) is reflected in the present findings. The significant correlations

indicate that psychological distress does not only drive broad overuse of the Internet but may also contribute to

compulsive engagement with particular online platforms or activities. This aligns with extensions of the model,

such as Brand et al.’s (2016) I-PACE framework, which emphasizes the role of affective dysregulation and

tendencies, and anxiety (Stevie Chancellor et al., 2020). Additionally, a small but significant positive correlation

exists between social media use and depressive symptoms among adolescents (E. Evie et al., 2020).

Excessive social media use is also linked to poor sleep quality and negative mental health outcomes among youth

(R. Alonzo et al., 2020). While many reviews interpret the relationship between social media use and mental

health as weak or inconsistent, some studies report significant and harmful associations (P. Valkenburg et al.,

2021). Excessive and increasing social media use, particularly among vulnerable individuals, is associated with

depression and other mental health disorders (Osman Ulvi et al., 2022). Frequent social media use among females

is associated with higher anxiety levels, whereas other mechanisms appear to operate among males (R. Viner,

2019).

awareness of mental health concerns. Additionally, improving access to mental health support within universities

is crucial. This study is significant as it provides insights into how social media influences mental health and

offers practical guidance for students, educators, and policymakers to address these issues effectively.

Understanding the balance between the benefits and risks of social media use is essential for ensuring its healthy

and productive use.

This study has several important limitations. First, the small sample size of 43 respondents from National

University of Malaysia may not represent the broader student population, limiting the generalizability of the

findings to larger groups or other universities. Geographic limitations are also relevant, as the study was

conducted at a single university and may not provide a comprehensive view of social media’s effects on student

mental health in other Malaysian universities or internationally.

The quantitative methodology employed may not capture the nuances of social media use and its impact on

mental health. Qualitative approaches, such as in-depth interviews, could provide richer insights. Furthermore,

other factors such as social support or family background. Finally, the study may not account for external factors,

such as current events or academic pressures, which could significantly influence respondents’ mental health.

Recognizing these limitations allows future research to be better designed to provide a more comprehensive

understanding of social media’s impact on mental health.

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