Nowadays, more and more people use social media for everyday social interactions. However, the prevalence of depressive symptoms among young people, in particular, is also increasing (Thapa & Subedi, 2018). Aalbers et al. (2018), in a psychological study, found that frequent use of social networks is associated with increased levels of depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, and loneliness. Other researchers also confirm that social media use is correlated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress (Keles et al., 2020). Thapa and Subedi (2018) explain that the reason for the development of depressive symptoms is the lack of face to face conversation and the development of perceived isolation. Haand and Shuwang (2020) confirm the presence of this correlation, although they note that this fact does not mean causation. Thus, the increased frequency of social media use may not be a cause but a symptom of depression, which has practical applications within the framework of psychological practice. This study looks at a possible correlation between social media use and an increased risk of depression.
Problem Statement and Research Question
- Problem Statement. It is not known if or to what extent there is a relationship between social media use and the level of depression measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Whether or not a link can be made between these two variables will lead to a better knowledge of techniques when it comes to mitigating the negative psychological effects of social media on people. The research population is all the people using socail media and those who do not use social media.
- Research Question. Is there a relationship between social media use and the level of depression? This research sets out to find results to prove an answer to the proposed question. The independent variables are people who use social media for everyday social interaction and people who do not use social media. The dependent variable is the level of depression scored by each participant using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II).
- Hypothesis. People who use social media for everyday social interactions will have higher levels of depression symptoms.
- Null hypothesis. People who use social media for everyday social interactions will not have higher levels of depression symptoms.
Research Design & Measurement Instrument
- Study Design (Methodology). This research is a quantitative study that is comprised of 20 people. Half of it was made up of 10 people who use social media every day for social interaction. Half of it was made up of 10 people who do not use social media.
- Measurement Instrument. Social media is now an increasingly common channel of communication, especially among young people. The researchers report that there is a correlation between social media use and the development of depressive symptoms as a result of the development of perceived isolation and lack of face-to-face communication (Aalbers et al., 2018; Keles et al., 2019; Thapa & Subedi, 2018). In the framework of this study, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to assess the level of development of depressive symptoms. This instrument is the most commonly used for measuring the perception of depressive symptoms (Glischinski et al., 2018). The questionnaire includes 21 questions with four response options to choose from. Respondents are asked to indicate whether they have noticed any changes in their mood, psychological and physical state recently. Each of the responses presented correlates with scores from 0 to 3 that are associated with the severity of depression symptoms. At the end of the questionnaire, the scores obtained from all 21 questions are summarized to determine the level of severity of depressive symptoms. A score of 13 and above identifies the presence of depression.
Data Collection Procedure & Data Analysis
- Data Collection. Participants were contacted through email and social media to take a questionnaire that measured their depression levels. To collect data, participants were asked to complete a standard questionnaire and then enter their scores into a specially designed online form. The participants were explained what symptoms of depression exist and how they would be considered in the test. Participants were also notified that the results of their inventory were completely confidential. Email and social media were chosen for contact with participants to ensure trust between participants and the researcher.
- Data Analysis. The study involved 20 participants in total. 16 out of 20 scored below 13 in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), which identifies a normal mental state. 7 participants use social media every day, and 9 participants do not use social media. 3 participants out of 20 (2 participants use social media, 1 participant does not use social media) scored from 13 to 19, which identifies the presence of slight depression. 1 in 20 participants (participant uses social media every day) scored over 20, which identifies moderate depression.
To analyze the results and interpret them, it is necessary to find a mean score for a group of participants using social media and for a group of participants not using social media. The sum of scores for participants using social media is 106, while the sum for participants not using social media is 79. Thus, the mean score for participants using social media is 10.6; for participants not using social media, the mean score is 7.9.
Ethical Considerations
Study data is anonymized and completely confidential, minimizing the risk of harm to participants. No conflicts of interest were identified during the study conduct. Participants were informed about the aims of the study, as well as the procedure for collecting and analyzing data. Each participant provided written consent for the study and the use of their data. Thus, the research does not violate ethical principles and does not have negative consequences for the participants.
Limitations
The main limitation of this study is that the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) aims to measure perceived symptoms of depression, which may not reflect the real clinical picture. Additionally, the manifestation of depressive symptoms in the two groups of participants may be the result of other factors that affect their psychological state. It is also important that the participants are familiar with the researcher, which may affect the reliability of their answers when taking the questionnaire.
Results & Summary
- Summary. The study looked at the correlation between social media use and symptoms of depression. The independent variables included people who use social media on a daily basis and people who do not use social media. The dependent variable included the level of depression symptoms measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The study involved 20 people (10 use social media daily and 10 do not use social media). Data collection was conducted using individual scores of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) submitted via an online form. Data analysis was conducted by searching for the mean score for the two groups of participants and comparing them.
- Results. The results of the study identified that there is a correlation between social media use and symptoms of depression. In particular, the mean score of the group of participants who use social media on a daily basis is significantly higher than that of participants who do not use social media. Moreover, in the group of participants using social media, one participant exhibits symptoms of moderate depression. Thus, the hypothesis of the study was confirmed based on the analysis of the data obtained. Given the limitation of the study, it cannot be argued that the use of social media is a cause of psychological distress. However, a comparison of the two groups of participants reveals that people who use social media are generally more likely to show symptoms of depression.
- Significance of Study. Depression is one of the most common mental problems among adults today. Every year the number of people with symptoms of this disorder is only growing, which seems to be a significant problem (Thapa & Subedi, 2018). Social media may be one of the reasons for the worsening of depressive symptoms in modern people. This negative effect may be associated with a lack of face to face communication and the development of a sense of isolation. At the same time, increased use of social media may be a symptom of depression rather than its cause. Thus, this study will allow people to detect symptoms of depression or identify their possible causes. Additionally, it may form the basis for the development of improved therapeutic interventions and screening methods for the disorder.
- Future Research Considerations. Future research in this area may aim to identify the nature of the correlation between social media use and depression. In particular, it is necessary to consider whether social media is a cause or a consequence of depression. Additionally, it is important to explore in more detail which depressive symptoms are primarily associated with social media use. Finally, it is also important to consider whether there is an improvement in the condition of people when the use of social media is excluded.
References
Aalbers, G., Heeren, A., McNally, R. J., Wit, S., & Fried, E. I. (2018). Social media and depression symptoms: A network perspective. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 148(8), 1454-1462. DOI: 10.1037/xge0000528.
Glischinski, M., Brachel, R., & Hirschfeld, G. (2018). How depressed is “depressed”? A systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis of optimal cut points for the Beck Depression Inventory revised (BDI-II). Quality of Life Research, 28, 1111-1118. DOI: 10.1007/s11136-018-2050-x.
Haand, R., & Shuwang, Z.(2020). The relationship between social media addiction and depression: A quantitative study among university students in Khost, Afghanistan. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 780-786. DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2020.1741407.
Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79-93. DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2019.1590851.
Thapa, R., & Subedi, S. (2018). Social media and depression. Journal of Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal, 7(2), 1-4.