Authors :
Dalisha Madan
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3dj2tx6v
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/mrxju9uc
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb1385
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
In recent years, social media has become deeply integrated in our everyday life, particularly among young adults.
Its pervasive presence resulted in growing concern and scholarly interest regarding its potential implications for mental
health. Consequently, the relationship between social media use and psychological well-being has emerged as a significant
area of focus for researchers, clinicians, and the broader society. There is a significant amount of research discussing
whether social media (e. g., Instagram, TikTok, etc.) have a beneficial or detrimental effect on users, but this is, to a much
lesser extent, combined with research that considers the complex mental processes that contribute to this impact. This study
intends to bridge this gap, exploring not only the correlation between social media use and life satisfaction but also the effects
of rumination.
In order to investigate these associations, quantitative correlational research design was used and data from 152 young
adult participants, ranging from 18 to 25 years old was collected using a questionnaire. The participants filled out three
standardized self-report measures: one assessing their levels of social media utilization, one assessing their general
tendencies toward rumination, and one measuring whether or not they were satisfied with life. The data was analyzed using
a statistical software (SPSS and Jamovi). Descriptive statistics, SPSS’ Pearson‘s correlations, and Jamovi‘s simple linear
regression were used to thoroughly analyse the data.
The results were conclusive. The study showed that individuals from the age group of 18 to 25 who invested the most
time on the various social media platforms had significantly low levels of life satisfaction. This reversal of rankings presents
a case for the adverse effects of extended internet hours. Furthermore, the study also showed that the individuals who used
social media the most had greater tendencies to ruminate.
These findings imply that positive and negative applications of social media exist simultaneously, as it is not just the
amount that young adults spend on social media that determines their overall well-being, but also the internal processes that
occur as a result of that exposure. Rumination was identified as an important mechanism for current use of social media
and life satisfaction, potentially guiding future interventions. Overall, this research points us towards a broader outlook at
the impact of social media, one that considers factors such as rumination. There is much to be learned by equally
investigating the other side of the coin (i. e., people who spend a great deal of time on social media but are still psychologically
healthy). Diverting our attention to protective factors and solutions will enable us to develop a better understanding of howto best approach mental health and wellbeing in a digital world.
References :
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
- European WHO Regional Office. (2018). Social media use and adolescent mental health: Findings from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. WHO Regional Office for Europe.
- Garcia, L., Thompson, R., & Nguyen, M. (2025). Social media engagement and psychological well-being among young adults: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Adolescent Research, 40(2), 145–162. https://doi.org/xxxxx
- Lee, S., & Patel, K. (2026). Screen time, online engagement, and mental health outcomes in emerging adulthood. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 29(1), 33–41. https://doi.org/xxxxx
- Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (1991). Responses to depression and their effects on the duration of depressive episodes. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 100(4), 569–582. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.100.4.569
- Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400–424. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00088.x
- Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction With Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71–75. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13
- World Health Organization. (2025). Mental health: Strengthening our response. https://www.who.int
- World Health Organization. (1948). Constitution of the World Health Organization. https://www.who.int
In recent years, social media has become deeply integrated in our everyday life, particularly among young adults.
Its pervasive presence resulted in growing concern and scholarly interest regarding its potential implications for mental
health. Consequently, the relationship between social media use and psychological well-being has emerged as a significant
area of focus for researchers, clinicians, and the broader society. There is a significant amount of research discussing
whether social media (e. g., Instagram, TikTok, etc.) have a beneficial or detrimental effect on users, but this is, to a much
lesser extent, combined with research that considers the complex mental processes that contribute to this impact. This study
intends to bridge this gap, exploring not only the correlation between social media use and life satisfaction but also the effects
of rumination.
In order to investigate these associations, quantitative correlational research design was used and data from 152 young
adult participants, ranging from 18 to 25 years old was collected using a questionnaire. The participants filled out three
standardized self-report measures: one assessing their levels of social media utilization, one assessing their general
tendencies toward rumination, and one measuring whether or not they were satisfied with life. The data was analyzed using
a statistical software (SPSS and Jamovi). Descriptive statistics, SPSS’ Pearson‘s correlations, and Jamovi‘s simple linear
regression were used to thoroughly analyse the data.
The results were conclusive. The study showed that individuals from the age group of 18 to 25 who invested the most
time on the various social media platforms had significantly low levels of life satisfaction. This reversal of rankings presents
a case for the adverse effects of extended internet hours. Furthermore, the study also showed that the individuals who used
social media the most had greater tendencies to ruminate.
These findings imply that positive and negative applications of social media exist simultaneously, as it is not just the
amount that young adults spend on social media that determines their overall well-being, but also the internal processes that
occur as a result of that exposure. Rumination was identified as an important mechanism for current use of social media
and life satisfaction, potentially guiding future interventions. Overall, this research points us towards a broader outlook at
the impact of social media, one that considers factors such as rumination. There is much to be learned by equally
investigating the other side of the coin (i. e., people who spend a great deal of time on social media but are still psychologically
healthy). Diverting our attention to protective factors and solutions will enable us to develop a better understanding of howto best approach mental health and wellbeing in a digital world.
