Social Media and Teen Mental Health: Analyzing the Role of Screen Time in Anxiety and Depression

Background: Studies focusing on impact of screen time on depression and anxiety related disorders among school going teenagers in TIER II and III cities are limited. This study examines how screen time is giving rise to anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods: The research work utilizes primary data. The primary data related to screen time, anxiety and depression were collected through self-reporting structure. The questionnaire for screen time were self-structure while the anxiety and depression scores were collected through GAD-7 and CESD-R-10 scales respectively. The collected data was analysed using sensitivity analysis to determine the effect of screen time on anxiety and depression. Results: The results indicate that there exists a moderate positive relationship between screen time and depression score and screen time and anxiety score. The results indicate that screen time gives more rapid increase to depression score as compared to anxiety score. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the moderate relationship between screen time and both anxiety and depression among school-going teenagers in Chhattisgarh. Although screen time is an influential factor in the mental health of adolescents, it is only one piece of the puzzle. A multifaceted approach is needed to address mental health in teenagers, encompassing not only the management of screen time but also broader socio-cultural, familial, and psychological support systems. Further research is necessary to uncover additional contributing factors and explore effective interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of excessive screen time on adolescent well-being.