Abstract
This study will investigate the relationship between social media as a
mediator and its effects on depressive symptoms, using Social Comparisons
theory (SCT; Festinger, 1954) as a framework. A series of 8-10 articles,
obtained through the San Jose State Library Database and PsycINFO, will
explore the nature of social media addiction (SMA) and problematic social
media use (PSMU) and its relation to self-esteem of young adult
populations by comparing theoretical perspectives (i.e., cross-sectional and
experimental designs) in the literature. Studies have found that [increased
SMU has been correlated with negative outcomes such as depression,
loneliness, and increased envy]. Future studies will be discussed.
Recommended Citation
Abellera, Joanna
(2025)
"Confronting the Digital Epidemic: Excessive Social Media Use (SMU) in the Wellbeing of Young Adult Populations,"
McNair Research Journal SJSU: Vol. 21
, Article 4.
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/mcnair/vol21/iss1/4