| Abstract: |
Abstract
The rapid expansion of social media has increased adolescents' exposure to mental
health related content, including anxiety, emotional crisis and self-diagnosis. This
study examined how exposure to mental health content on social media shapes
adolescents' self-perception and emotional wellbeing. The study was anchored on
Social Comparison Theory and Cultivation Theory. A quantitative survey research
design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 26,979 public
secondary school students in Enugu North Local Government Area, while a sample
size of 379 respondents was obtained using an online sample size calculator. Multi
stage sampling technique was employed, and data were collected through
questionnaire administration. Findings revealed that adolescents are frequently
exposed to mental health-related materials on social media platforms. The study
further showed that such exposure influence adolescents' self-understanding and
emotional wellbeing in both positive and negative ways. In addition, supportive and
solution-oriented mental health content was found to produce more positive
emotional outcomes than problem-focused content. Based on the findings, the study
recommended improved digital literacy and proper guidance to help adolescents
engage responsibly and constructively with mental health content encountered on
social media platforms. |
