| Abstract: |
The rapid growth of social media has signi?cantly shaped the lives of Generation Z, who are regarded as digital natives. While these platforms encourage interaction, self-expression, and access to information, excessive or inappropriate use has been associated with negative mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem among young people. This study investigates the nuanced relationship between active social media usage and mental health among Gen Z students at the Federal University of Lokoja, Nigeria. Anchored on Agenda-Setting Theory, the research employs a quantitative survey design to ascertain the perceived causes of mental health disorders within this cohort and to evaluate both the positive and negative impacts of social media engagement. Data were collected from a sample of 382 students and analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Chi-Square tests. Findings reveal a signi?cant age-based difference in mental health perceptions and a strong positive association between social media use and perceived mental health bene?ts, particularly regarding economic empowerment through content creation. However, the study also con?rms a prevalent perception of negative consequences, most notably procrastination and social comparison. The research concludes that while Gen Z actively leverages social media for tangible bene?ts, the latent risks to psychological well-being necessitate targeted digital literacy interventions and a shift from passive consumption to productive engagement. |
