Association between Social Media Usage and Depression among Teenagers in Unites States of America

Abstract

Purpose: The study sought to investigate association between social media usage and depression among teenagers in Unites States of America. Materials and Methods: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Results: The study found that there has been a rapid growth in social media among teenagers in the states. University students are the highest users of internet in the country. Consuming social media at a higher rate was found to bring about   negative consequences on the individuals. These include problematic social relationships, poor academic performance and psychological disturbance. Based on the findings, it was concluded that there was need to identify and help the affected teenagers exercise moderation and self-control when using social media platform in order for them to achieve their lifetime goals. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and The Albert Ellis' Cognitive Theory of Depression may be used to anchor future studies. There is need to organize seminars and conferences in the colleges with students to highlight the possible dangers of excessive social media usage and the measures that can be taken to mitigate the problem. There is need to regulate the nonacademic content that can be accessed through college computer labs like pornography and other non-educational material.