Beyond the Screen: Exploring the Impact of Social Media on the Psychological Well-Being of Young Adults in Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract Many young people globally are utilizing digital gadgets and social media, with many teenagers aged 13-17 accessing smartphones and engaging with social media platforms. This digital landscape enhances their everyday lives, enabling them to form friendships, negotiate autonomy, and publicly express their identities. This study examined the relationship between social media use and the psychological health of young adults in Cameroon by investigating sociodemographic variables, social media habits, and coping strategies to improve mental health outcomes. In this study, 43.05% of respondents were males, and 56.95% were females. The age group most represented was 26-30 (40.39%), and most respondents resided in the Littoral region. WhatsApp was the most used social media platform, followed by Facebook and TikTok. Most respondents spent over 5 hours daily on social media, posting content either Occasionally or Rarely. Some respondents felt anxious or stressed while using social media, and some reported their mental health to have improved or worsened since starting to use social media. Social support received through social media was moderate, with cultural factors influencing the impact. Offline activities, face-to-face interactions, and hobbies moderated the effect of social media on mental health. This study highlights the complex interactions between sociodemographic traits, social media usage patterns, and coping mechanisms in shaping mental health outcomes among young people in Cameroon.