Unveiling the impact of Internet and social media on students' mental wellbeing: A scoping review

Abstract

Social media and internet have had both positive and negative impacts on mental health, particularly as the world entered a new digital age. In the digital age, the rise of social media has changed how adolescents and young adults, particularly students in secondary and tertiary education connect, share, and communicate, though concerns have been raised about its potential psychological consequences. This study examines existing literature, draws upon empirical evidence, and reviews the impact of internet and social media on students' mental health, addressing negative aspects. While acknowledging the benefits of social media, this paper underscores the negative implications, such as cyberbullying and online harassment, social media dependency, and information overload and distraction, as these issues pose significant risks to students’ mental health and warrant focused attention.