Impact of Use of Social Media on Adolescent's Mental Health in a Tier 2 City—A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Social media has been defined as a form of electronic communication that is used for and expression thoughts. It boon the young generation it lot positive impacts like global connectivity, easy/inexpensive communication, sharing information; however, associated with serious adverse effects/imprints on mental health adolescent's developing brain. Method This was an observational, cross-sectional study 200 students from two government schools. After obtaining consent parents teacher, were asked to fill preprinted containing 12-point survey questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory assessment depression, 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (12-item GHQ) common disorders. Obtained data analyzed among social users nonusers. Results The included adolescents, 84 (42%) 11th standard 116 (58%) 12th standard. Eighty-five adolescents (42.5%) males 115 (57.5%) females; median age 14 years. mean score 11.47 +7.54 compared 6.702 +6.67 nonusers, p = 0.0005, significant. 12-item GHQ 7.631 + 5.37 7.05 5.79 0.5589, insignificant. About 82.8% WhatsApp, 39.8% Facebook, 40.4% Instagram, 26.9% Snapchat, 17.17% YouTube. Conclusion Majority are using nowadays found have various problems in this study. highlights importance awareness parents, teachers, adolescent health-care providers.