Are You Millennial Generation? The Effect of Social Media Use toward Mental Health among Millennials

Abstract

The millennial generation is inseparable from the use of social media. Social media sites have emerged as important communication channels available that engaged with millennials. Social media use has positive and negative effects on their mental health. This study explores the effects of social media use among millennials in relationship with mental health in Aceh Province, Indonesia. A quantitative method with the correlation technique was used for this study that involved 391 millennials participated (136 males and 255 females millennials with range aged 19-39 years). Social media use was measured by using the Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUIS), while mental health was measured by using the Mental Health Inventory (MHI18). The results of the study showed that there exists a significant relationship between social media use with mental health among millennials (p=.000 r=-.211 This study also found that significant gender differences among millennials on social media use, which is females consistently showhigher social media use than males. It can conclude that social media use has to effect on both sides of positive and negative mental health, such as psychological distress and psychological well-being, further results are discussed.