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An Analysis of the Impact of Social Media Addiction on Student’s Mental Health and

Academic Performance

Hoàng Anh Thư

Cao Hương Giang

English Department, Hanoi University

61ENG3RES: Research Essay Writing 1

Vũ Thị Thanh Phương

22nd May 2025

With the rapid advancement of technology, social media has become a central part of

students’ lives, offering tools for communication, collaboration, and self-expression. However,

the excessive use of these platforms has led to an emerging phenomenon known as social media

addiction. This behavioral addiction is increasingly recognized as a threat to students’ mental

well-being and academic success. This essay will explore the impact of using social networking

websites on student academic lives and learning experiences

Firstly, excessive use of social networking platforms has been strongly linked to various

mental health problems among adolescents, including depression, anxiety, and eating-related

disorders (Lin et al., 2016; Patel et al., 2016; Woods & Scott, 2016). Young adults represent the

most engaged demographic on social media and are particularly vulnerable to experiencing

mental health challenges at a significantly concerning rate (Strickland, 2014). Studies indicate

that too much reliance on digital communication can hinder face-to-face social interaction and

lead to emotional issues such as loneliness and social withdrawal (Townsend et al., 2016, Woods

& Scott, 2016). Moreover, (Lou et al, 2012) stated that excessive use of Facebook among

students is linked to increased feelings of loneliness. According to (Anderson and Jiang, 2018),

individuals who temporarily disabled their Facebook accounts for a month experienced a decline

in depression and anxiety, along with improved happiness and life satisfaction. A research

(Bashir, 2017) states that the growing engagement of the younger generation with social media

has sparked concerns about its potentially harmful consequences.

Secondly, the emergence of social media has had a profound impact on students’

academic achievement (Boateng & Amankwaa, 2016). At first, according to Kubey (2001),

overindulgence in social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter may hinder students’
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academic success by consuming time that could otherwise be used for educational purposes.

Furthermore, researchers found that the relationship between the abuse of social media and a

decrease in grade point averages (GPA) features a solid connection (Hyacinth, 2021; Qureshi et

al., 2023). This correlation exists because the distraction caused by social media significantly

impairs students’ ability to maintain full concentration on academic tasks (Harmed et al., 2012).

According to research (Fatokun, 2019), students whose attention is divided between studying and

social media tend to perform essentially 20% lower than those who are able to concentrate

exclusively on their assignments without such computerized diversions. Several other studies

(O’Keeffe, 2011; Prabhu & Madan Mohan, 2014) have also highlighted the adverse effects of

social media on students’ educational performance. According to these findings, students

frequently encounter unsuitable content and often lack awareness regarding digital privacy.

Additionally, these researchers emphasized the growing threats of cyberbullying and online

harassment. With the increasing prevalence of social media addiction (SMA), it becomes vital to

address its results and implement effective strategies to minimize its negative impacts.

Moreover, social media addiction is associated with a student's mental health and

academic performance. In particular, mental health can worsen the academic outcome of many

students. In a recent study comparing the GPA of the group of students who were selected from

the entire student population 121 students found to have depression over 6 months in Campus

health clinic (Hysenbegasi et al., 2005). This research identifies a notable negative correlation

between students’ GPAs and cases of unaddressed depression. Aside from GPA, the dropout rate

among university students is also considered a serious consequence of depression (Eisenberg et

al., 2009, p.22). To mitigate social media addiction and its impact on mental health and academic

performance, higher education staff should continue developing strategies that connect students
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with appropriate health resources to support academic success (Pedersen, 2012). Moreover,

university officials and parents need to prioritize the implementation of effective mental health

services and stress reduction programs aimed at supporting students in reaching their academic

goals (Talib & Zia-ur-Rehman, 2012). Although research in this area is expanding, it is essential

to recognize the limitations present in existing studies. Several investigations depend on subject-

reported responses, potentially affecting accuracy (Xuan et al., 2025).

In conclusion, social media addiction (SMA) affects students' psychological health and

academic performance. The findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and

proactive intervention. Schools and universities should incorporate digital literacy and mental

health education into their curricula, helping students develop healthier online habits.
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Word count:

References

Anderson, M., & Jiang, J. (2018). Teens, social media & technology 2018. Pew research center,

31(2018), 1673-1689.

Bashir, H., & Bhat, S. A. (2017). Effects of social media on mental health: A review. International

Journal of Indian Psychology, 4(3), 125-131.

Boateng, R. O., & Amankwaa, A. (2016). The impact of social media on student academic life in

higher education. Global Journal of Human-Social Science, 16(4), 1-8.

Deepa, M., & Priya, V. K. (2020). Impact of social media on mental health of students. International

Journal of Scientific & Technology Research , 9(03), 2277-8616

Eisenberg, D., Golberstein, E., & Hunt, J. B. (2009). Mental health and academic success in college.

The BE journal of economic analysis & policy, 9(1).

Fatokun, K. (2019). Effect of social media on undergraduate students’ achievement and interest in

chemistry in the North-central geo-political Zone of Nigeria. International Journal of Science

and Technology Education Research, 10(2), 9–15.

Hou, Y., Xiong, D., Jiang, T., Song, L. Q., & Wang, Q. (2019). Social media addiction: Its impact,

mediation, and intervention. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on

Cyberspace, 13(1).
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Hurt, N. E., Moss, G. S., Bradley, C. L., Larson, L. R., Lovelace, M., Prevost, L. B., ... & Camus, M.

S. (2012). The" Facebook" Effect: College Students' Perceptions of Online Discussions in the

Age of Social Networking. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and

Learning, 6(2), n2.

Hysenbegasi, A., Hass, S. L., & Rowland, C. R. (2005). The impact of depression on the academic

productivity of university students. Journal of mental health policy and economics, 8(3), 145.

Ha, J.H.,Kim, S.Y., Bae, S. C., Bae, S.,Kim, H.,Sim,M., … & Cho, S.C.(2007). Depression and

Internet addiction in adolescents. Psychopathology, 40(6), 424-430

Ikachoi, D. C. (2017). Relationship between social media use and communication skills of

undergraduate students in Tanzania (Doctoral dissertation, Jomo Kenyatta University of

Agriculture and Technology)

Kim, K., Ryu, E., Chon, M. Y., Yeun, E. J., Choi, S. Y., Seo, J.S., & Nam, B. W. (2006). Internet

addiction on Korean adolescents and its relation to depression and its relation to depression

and suicidal ideation: a questionnaire survey. International journal of nursing studies, 43(2),

185-192

Kubey, R. W., Lavin, M. J., & Barrows, J. R. (2001). Internet use and collegiate academic

performance decrements: Early findings. Journal of communication, 51(2), 366-382.

Lin, L. Y., Sidani, J. E., Shensa, A., Radovic, A.,Miller, E., Colditz, J. B., … & Primack, B. A.

(2016). Association between social media use and depression among US young adults.

Depression and anxiety 33(4), 323-331

Lou, L. L., Yan, Z., Nickerson, A., & McMorris, R. (2012). An examination of the reciprocal

relationship of loneliness and Facebook use among first-year college students. Journal of

Educational Computing Research, 46(1), 105-117.

O’Keeffe, G. S. (2011). Clinical report: The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and

families.

Prabhu, M., & Madan Mohan, G. (2014). A study on stress among university students in

India. International Journal of Business and Administration Research Review, 1(5), 21-33.

Qureshi, J. A., Bhatti, T., Khoso, P. A. (2023). Effects of Social Media on psychological wellbeing

and academic performance among university students in Sindh. Pakistan Journal of

Educational Research, 6(2).

Takahashi, R., & Kajikawa. Y., (2017). Computer-aided diagnosis: A survey with bibliometric

analysis. Int. J. Med. Inform, 101, 58–67

Woods , H.C ., & Scott, H.(2016).#Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with

poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self- esteem. Journal of adolescence, 51, 41-

49

Rosen, L.D., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2013). Facebook and texting made me do it: Media-

induced task-switching while studying. Computers in human behavior, 29(3), 948-958

Shaw, M., & Black,D.W. “Internet addiction : definition, assessment, epidemiology and clinical

Strickland, A. (2014). Exploring the effects of social media use on the mental health of

young [Link].” CNS drugs, 22, 353-365

Talib, N., & Zia-ur-Rehman, M. (2012). Academic performance and perceived stress among

university students. Educational Research and Reviews, 7(5), 127-132

Xuan, W., Chowdhury, M. R., Ding, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2025). Unlocking Mental Health: Exploring

College Students' Well-being through Smartphone Behaviors. arXiv preprint

arXiv:2502.08766.
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Yen, J. Y., Ko, C.H., Yen, C. F., Chen, S. H., Chung, W. L., & Chen, C.C. (2008). Psychiatric

symptoms in adolescents with Internet addiction: Comparison with substance use. Psychiatry

and clinical neurosciences, 62(1), 9-16

Appendix

Outline of Paper

Intro:

Overview of the growing use of social media among teenagers.

Research Focus + Thesis Statement:

This essay will explore the impact of using social networking websites on student academic life

and learning experience

Literature Review / Thematic Body:

Theme 1: Mental Health Implications of Social Media Addiction in Adolescents

-Excessive use of social media is associated with mental health issues

-Heavy reliance on online interaction may reduce real-life communication, leading to loneliness

and social withdrawal

-Internet addiction is linked to emotional distress, sadness, and suicidal thoughts

-Social media use negatively affects attention span and focus

Theme 2: The Impact of Social Media Overuse on Academic Performance

-Proven Link Between SMA and Lower GPA:

+ Time spent online reduces the quantity and quality of study time.

+ Result: Academic performance deteriorates across various levels.

-Reduced Attention and Concentration

+Divided attention lowers cognitive engagement with academic tasks.

Discussion

- Synthesizes the two themes such as how poor mental health may worsen academic

outcomes

+ Interconnection Between Mental Health and Academic Performance: social media addiction

contributes to both poor mental health and reduced academic performance.

- Addresses potential solutions or interventions.

+Enhancing Support in Educational Settings: university staff should connect students with

proper physical and mental health services

+Role of Families and Institutions: effective support from university administrators and parents

is vital for improving academic success and well-being

- Mentions the limitations of existing research or gaps

+Many studies rely heavily on self-reported data, which may lead to inaccuracies or bias

Conclusion

In conclusion, social media addiction (SMA) affects students' mental health and academic

performance. The findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive

intervention. Schools and universities should incorporate digital literacy and mental health

education into their curricula, helping students develop healthier online habits.
 10

References

Deepa, M., & Priya, V. K. (2020). Impact of social media on mental health of students.

International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research , 9(03), 2277-8616

Eisenberg, D., Golberstein, E., & Hunt, J. B. (2009). Mental health and academic success in

college. The BE journal of economic analysis & policy, 9(1).

Fatokun, K. (2019). Effect of social media on undergraduate students’ achievement and interest in

chemistry in the North-central geo-political Zone of Nigeria. International Journal of Science

and Technology Education Research, 10(2), 9–15.

Hou, Y., Xiong, D., Jiang, T., Song, L. Q., & Wang, Q. (2019). Social media addiction: Its impact,

mediation, and intervention. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on

Cyberspace, 13(1).

Hurt, N. E., Moss, G. S., Bradley, C. L., Larson, L. R., Lovelace, M., Prevost, L. B., ... & Camus,

M. S. (2012). The" Facebook" Effect: College Students' Perceptions of Online Discussions in

the Age of Social Networking. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and

Learning, 6(2), n2.

Hysenbegasi, A., Hass, S. L., & Rowland, C. R. (2005). The impact of depression on the academic

productivity of university students. Journal of mental health policy and economics, 8(3), 145.

Ha, J.H.,Kim, S.Y., Bae, S. C., Bae, S.,Kim, H.,Sim,M., … & Cho, S.C.(2007). Depression and

Internet addiction in adolescents. Psychopathology, 40(6), 424-430

Ikachoi, D. C. (2017). Relationship between social media use and communication skills of

undergraduate students in Tanzania (Doctoral dissertation, Jomo Kenyatta University of

Agriculture and Technology)

Kim, K., Ryu, E., Chon, M. Y., Yeun, E. J., Choi, S. Y., Seo, J.S., & Nam, B. W. (2006). Internet

addiction on Korean adolescents and its relation to depression and its relation to depression

and suicidal ideation: a questionnaire survey. International journal of nursing studies, 43(2),

185-192

Lin, L. Y., Sidani, J. E., Shensa, A., Radovic, A.,Miller, E., Colditz, J. B., … & Primack, B. A.

(2016). Association between social media use and depression among US young adults.

Depression and anxiety 33(4), 323-331

Qureshi, J. A., Bhatti, T., Khoso, P. A. (2023). Effects of Social Media on psychological wellbeing

and academic performance among university students in Sindh. Pakistan Journal of

Educational Research, 6(2).

Takahashi, R., & Kajikawa. Y., (2017). Computer-aided diagnosis: A survey with bibliometric

analysis. Int. J. Med. Inform, 101, 58–67

Woods , H.C ., & Scott, H.(2016).#Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with

poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self- esteem. Journal of adolescence, 51, 41-

49

Rosen, L.D., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2013). Facebook and texting made me do it: Media-

induced task-switching while studying. Computers in human behavior, 29(3), 948-958

Shaw, M., & Black,D.W. “Internet addiction : definition, assessment, epidemiology and clinical

managemen.” CNS drugs, 22, 353-365

Talib, N., & Zia-ur-Rehman, M. (2012). Academic performance and perceived stress among

university students. Educational Research and Reviews, 7(5), 127-132

Xuan, W., Chowdhury, M. R., Ding, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2025). Unlocking Mental Health: Exploring

College Students' Well-being through Smartphone Behaviors. arXiv preprint

arXiv:2502.08766.

Yen, J. Y., Ko, C.H., Yen, C. F., Chen, S. H., Chung, W. L., & Chen, C.C. (2008). Psychiatric

symptoms in adolescents with Internet addiction: Comparison with substance use. Psychiatry

and clinical neurosciences, 62(1), 9-16