The Impact of Social Media Exposure on Children's Mental Health in an Increasingly Complex Digital Era

Theresia M D Kaunang; Anita Elizabeth Dundh; Lydia Edmay Viveca David; Cicilia Pali

doi:10.55927/eajmr.v5i9.226

Authors

Theresia M D Kaunang Universitas Sam Ratulangi
Anita Elizabeth Dundh Universitas Sam Ratulangi
Lydia Edmay Viveca David Universitas Sam Ratulangi
Cicilia Pali Universitas Sam Ratulangi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i9.226

Keywords:

Social Media Exposure, Children's Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Cyberbullying

Abstract

This research focuses on evaluating how social media influence affects the mental well-being of children in a more intricate digital landscape. A systematic review of the literature was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 standards. Comprehensive literature searches were performed across five primary academic platforms: Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar, encompassing articles published from 2019 up to 2025. Out of an initial collection of 245 studies, only ten met the criteria for inclusion and contributed to the final analysis. The results indicate that exposure to social media yields both detrimental and beneficial impacts on children's mental health. On the other hand, when utilized correctly, social media can also offer advantages like improved social ties, emotional assistance, opportunities for self-expression, access to information, and a deeper sense of belonging. In summary, the effects of social media on children's mental health are intricate and depend on the context, shaped by individual traits, usage habits, and the nature of online interactions. These results underscore the necessity for a balanced approach to digital engagement, digital literacy, and cooperative initiatives among parents, educators, policymakers, and tech providers to foster healthier digital interactions for children.

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