Perceptions of the impact of social media on mental health and recommendations for an app-based intervention: Findings from a co-designed survey

Introduction: Social media use has become a ubiquitous part of our lives, but it is increasingly linked to a number of mental health issues. Given the growing incidence of mental illness globally, it is crucial that the relationship between social media use and mental health be further investigated and mitigation strategies developed. Methods: A co-designed survey investigating mental health, social media use characteristics and impacts, and suggestions for digital strategies to improve mental wellbeing, was disseminated online via the Lived Experience Australia national ‘friends’ network. Results: Findings revealed associations between all forms of social media use, fear of missing out, and social media addiction were significantly positively associated with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Participants reported perceived negative impacts of social media on mental health, specifically associated with social comparisons, doomscrolling, time wasting, and negative interactions. Connection to friends, family, and other support networks was reported as an important benefit of social media. Conclusion: The findings indicate a clear association between social media use and mental ill-health, an effect acknowledged by users themselves. Importantly, the nature of this impact is contingent on patterns of engagement, underscoring that usage context is a critical determinant of outcomes. These results highlight the need for further investigation into how specific modes of social media use shape mental health trajectories, with implications for both research and intervention design.