1.1 Introduction
Social media is commonly defined as web-based platforms and applications that enable users to create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010). Among the most popular social media platforms, Facebook stands out as a major channel for social networking, entertainment, and information dissemination. Its influence spans across various demographic groups, but its largest user base remains young people, who are typically more tech-savvy and socially active online (Statista, 2024).
Mental health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of well-being in which individuals realize their abilities, cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities (WHO, 2020). In Nigeria, the adoption of social media has grown exponentially over the past decade due to increased access to affordable smartphones and internet connectivity. Facebook remains one of the most widely used platforms, offering Nigerian youths a digital space for self-expression, networking, and social interaction (Okeke, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of the Study
Social media has become an integral part of daily life in the 21st century, reshaping the way individuals interact, communicate, and access information. According to Kaplan and Haenlein (2010), social media refers to a group of internet-based applications built on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, allowing for the creation and exchange of user-generated content. Among these platforms, Facebook has remained one of the most influential, offering features for social networking, messaging, and content sharing that appeal significantly to young people globally.
According to Kaplan and Haenlein (2010), social media emerged as an interactive digital space that allowed users to create, share, and exchange content across virtual communities. The development of Web 2.0 technologies in the early 2000s laid the foundation for platforms like Facebook, which was launched in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his colleagues as a social networking service for college students. Over time, Facebook expanded globally, becoming one of the most popular social media platforms with billions of active users worldwide (Boyd & Ellison, 2007).
In the Nigerian context, the growth of social media usage has been remarkable, driven by increased access to smartphones and affordable internet services. Statista (2024) reported that Nigeria ranks among the top African countries with the highest number of Facebook users, with millions of youths actively engaging on the platform daily. Okeke (2021) asserted that social media platforms, particularly Facebook, play a major role in shaping youth culture and influencing behavioral patterns in Nigeria. These platforms provide opportunities for networking, learning, and entertainment; however, they also pose potential risks to mental health.
Mental health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), is a state of psychological well-being in which an individual can cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community. Primack et al. (2017) affirmed that while social media offers social support and connectivity, excessive use is strongly associated with negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and decreased self-esteem. Twenge and Campbell (2018) contended that the prevalence of social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) on social media contributes significantly to emotional distress among young people.
Researchers have also explored the dual nature of social media's influence. Andreassen et al. (2017) stated that while social networking sites can foster social inclusion and identity building, they also encourage addictive patterns of use that undermine mental health. In Nigeria, Adegoke and Ugoji (2022) reported that many young users experience stress, isolation, and low self-worth as a result of prolonged social media engagement. These psychological challenges are exacerbated by factors such as unemployment, peer pressure, and the desire for validation through online interactions, making Nigerian youths particularly vulnerable. This study is set against the backdrop of these realities and seeks to examine the effect of social media on Nigerian youths' mental health, focusing on Facebook usage as a case study.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the increasing penetration of social media platforms has transformed the way individuals communicate, access information, and express themselves globally. In Nigeria, Facebook has emerged as one of the most dominant platforms, attracting millions of users, particularly youths who rely heavily on it for social interaction, entertainment, and networking. However, while social media is often celebrated for its potential benefits, its excessive use is linked to adverse psychological effects that raise serious concerns about mental health among young people.
On the other hand, social media is considered a tool for social support, connection, and empowerment. It provides opportunities for youths to engage in meaningful conversations, learn new skills, and access mental health information. Despite these positive aspects, the psychological risks associated with addictive use, cyberbullying, and fear of missing out (FOMO) cannot be ignored (Primack et al., 2017).
Furthermore, there is growing evidence that prolonged exposure to social media is associated with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Nigerian youths, who form a significant portion of social media users, are increasingly vulnerable due to societal pressures, economic uncertainty, and the desire for validation in virtual spaces (Andreassen et al., 2017; Twenge & Campbell, 2018). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the Effect of social media on Nigerian youth's mental health , focusing on Nigerian Facebook users.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Facebook usage on the mental health of Nigerian youths.
The specific objectives of this study are:
- To determine the relationship between the frequency of Facebook usage and the mental health status of Nigerian youths.
- To examine the effect of prolonged Facebook use on self-esteem and emotional well-being among Nigerian youths.
- To identify the psychological risks associated with excessive Facebook engagement among Nigerian youths.
- To explore the positive contributions of Facebook to social support and connectivity among Nigerian youths.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study will address the following research questions:
- What is the relationship between the frequency of Facebook usage and the mental health status of Nigerian youths?
- How does prolonged Facebook use affect self-esteem and emotional well-being among Nigerian youths?
- What psychological risks are associated with excessive Facebook engagement among Nigerian youths?
- In what ways does Facebook contribute positively to social support and connectivity among Nigerian youths?
1.6 Significance of the Study
The outcome of this research will inform mental health professionals about the risks and benefits associated with Facebook usage, enabling them to design effective counseling and intervention programs. It will also help educational institutions develop digital literacy and mental health awareness campaigns targeted at students.
Furthermore, the findings will enable parents to monitor and guide their children's social media engagement responsibly. Also, schools and universities will use this research to develop counseling programs and mental health awareness initiatives for students.
Lastly, the study will serve as a reference material for future researchers investigating the intersection of technology and mental health in Nigeria.
1.7 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between Facebook usage and the mental health status of Nigerian youths.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between Facebook usage and the mental health status of Nigerian youths.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Prolonged Facebook use does not significantly affect self-esteem and emotional well-being among Nigerian youths.
- H1: Prolonged Facebook use significantly affects self-esteem and emotional well-being among Nigerian youths.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: Excessive Facebook engagement does not increase psychological risks such as anxiety and depression among Nigerian youths.
- H1: Excessive Facebook engagement increases psychological risks such as anxiety and depression among Nigerian youths.
Hypothesis Four
- H0: Facebook usage contributes negatively to social support and connectivity among Nigerian youths.
- H1: Facebook usage contributes positively to social support and connectivity among Nigerian youths.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is focused on the Effect of social media on Nigerian youth's mental health using Nigerian Facebook Users aged 18–35 as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Social Media:
According to Kaplan and Haenlein (2010), social media refers to internet-based platforms that enable users to create, share, and exchange content within virtual communities.
Mental Health:
The World Health Organization (2020) defines mental health as a state of well-being where individuals can cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community.
Facebook:
Facebook is a social networking platform launched in 2004 that allows users to create profiles, share updates, and interact with others online (Boyd & Ellison, 2007).
Youth:
Youth refers to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, as commonly defined by the African Youth Charter (African Union, 2006).
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO):
Przybylski et al. (2013) describe FOMO as the pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent, often leading to excessive social media use.
Depression:
Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and decreased energy (WHO, 2020).
Anxiety:
Anxiety refers to an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure (American Psychological Association, 2020).
Addictive Use:
Andreassen et al. (2017) define addictive social media use as compulsive engagement with social networking platforms, leading to impairment in daily functioning.
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