Social Networking and Depression among University Students

Background: Students in the modern world are busy using social media for different purposes along with other activities. Research studies revealed that excessive use of social media influence the mental health of students. This study was design to measure the relationship of social media and depression among university students.

Objectives: The main objectives of the study were, to investigate the perception of university students regarding the usage of social media networks, to find out gender-wise differences of university students in using social media networks and depression level and to measure the relationship of social media and depression among university students.

Subjects and Methods: Following quantitative correlational research design, the sample which was consists of 200 Facebook and Twitter users comprising of 123 male and 77 female students from university of Swat and Peshawar were surveyed through two research instruments i.e. a questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Results: The main findings of the study were; most of the male social media users were more depressed than female. The students who spent more time on social media were found depressed. The students who spent more time on social media for searching health information and playing games were more depressed than those who used social media for chat with friends and family.

Conclusion: It was concluded that male students who spent more time on social media were found more depressed than female and students who used social media for searching health information and playing games were more depressed than those who used social media for chat with friends and family.

Key words: Social media, depression, Facebook, twitter.