The Negative Role of Social Media to Create Anxiety in University Students Amidst COVID-19

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to explore the negative role of social media on university students mental health amidst digitalized COVID-19 setting that throbs excruciating pain, fear, anxiety, stress and depression. The quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the Department of English students of a public university in Punjab, Pakistan. The findings reveal that students' are engaged daily for 4 hours on social media forums for online chats, information and amusement. The social media platforms strategically create situations to express unrestrained sentiments. The use of cartoons and images reflect students' potential for creativity, criticality and social innovation.