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Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

Social media can be defined as different internet- based networks that promote visual and verbal

social interactions among its users (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2019). Teenagers in particular

are found to be heavy users of social media followed by adolescents (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish

2019). There are different social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and

MySpace (Ahmad, Hussain, & Munir, 2018) with Facebook and Twitter on top of the list (Lin et

al., 2016). These platforms can be used for various purposes including finding information,

amusement, and social interaction and communication (Ahmad, Hussain, & Munir, 2018; Haand

& Shuwang, 2020).

2.2 Controversy Surrounding Social Media

Despite the benefits of receiving social support and being able to express feelings and

thoughts (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020), there is the risk of the reduced communication and

social activities (Ahmad, Hussain, & Munir, 2018). For example, Vidal et al. (2020) enlisted less

face-to-face interactions, stress issues, and continual exposure to suicide stories as main areas of

concern. Similarly, according to Lin et al. (2016), young adults, in particular, being adept users

of social media, may suffer from problems with the development of their identity and the

foundation of different social norms. The reason behind that may be that their limited capability

for self-regulation as well as their weakness towards peer pressure may make those young users

at risk of possible hostile social media effects (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020).

Another controversial concern is the relation between social media and depression.

Having received “short-term enjoyment” every time social media users get online, they tend to
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spend more time trying to get more pleasure in a continuous cycle that does not guarantee an

actual reward in real life (Ahmad, Hussain, & Munir, 2018, p. 78). This may be viewed as an

addiction- like pattern that can eventually lead to depressive disorder symptoms (Vidal et al.,

2020). Besides, people usually compare themselves to others to evaluate their own thoughts and

capabilities (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020); seeking feedback and social comparisons are

also associated with depressive disorders as stated by Vidal et al. (2020). Even passive social

media use leads to social comparison and envy which, in turn, leads to depression (Keles,

McCrae, & Grealish, 2020). Cyberbullying (victimization or perpetration) may also result from

social media use and can lead to depressive disorder symptoms (Vidal et al., 2020).

2.3 Social media and psychological health

In that regard, Wang et al. (2020) conducted in depth research into social media user’s

obsession with comparison with what is seen in cyber space. They analyzed how postings on

social media can instigate feelings of inferiority, jealousy and ultimately a downward spiral of

depression in social media users.

2.3.1 Linking social media to depression

According to the World Health Organization (2023), over 280 million people in the world

suffer from depressive disorder, also known as depression. Depression can be defined as a

disorder associated with sadness, feelings of guilt, loss of appetite, loss of pleasure, continuous

tiresome, poor concentration, and sleeping problems (Haand & Shuwang, 2020).

Many studies attempted to examine the relation between social media and depression

among various age groups. Four main domains described the exposure to social media: a) time

spent on social media, b) activity of the users including the quantity and quality of users’
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interaction, c) identity related information on the users’ Facebook profiles, and d) users’

addictive behavior (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020). Below is a review of some of these

studies.

The quantitative study conducted by Lin at al. (2016) used an online survey in their study

to investigate the relation between social media and depression among 1,787 young learners in

the U.S. The researchers used the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System

(PROMIS) to measure depression. Meanwhile, social media use was measured by means of a

scale developed by the researchers to collect data on time spent per day as well as the platform

used. Based on the data collected from 1,787 participants, a significant relation was found

between social media use and depression.

Another quantitative study conducted by Ahmad, Hussain, and Munir (2018) examined

the effect of social media on university students’ depression in Pakistan. Data was collected by

means of a self-developed questionnaire to measure the participants’ social media use and a

standardized inventory Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to measure their depression levels.

Fifty three point five of the participants stated they used social media for 1-3 hours daily whereas

17.5% spent more than 6 hours per day. A positive relation between depression and time spent

on social media was found with a higher percentage for males than females (31.16%, 38.21%

respectively). The study also revealed that the students who used social media searching for

health information and playing games suffered from more depression than those using social

media to chat with friends and family.

A questionnaire was also used in the study by Haand & Shuwang (2020) to examine the

relation between social media addiction and depression among 329 university students in

Afghanistan. By means of Dr Kimberly Young Internet Addiction Test to measure social media
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addiction and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to measure

depression, the study showed a positive correlation between social media and depression;

however, the correlation was weak as described by the researchers.

3. Conclusion

Besides, different experts and psychologists haves concerns regarding the relevant

consequences on social and personal development (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2019). Different

studies attempted to investigate the effect of social media on different aspects including

depression. Most of the studies adopted quantitative research. In addition to this, most of the

findings of the studies showed a correlation rather than causation between social media and

depression. The present study aims to add to the existing literature by adopting a mixed-methods

design and targeting Egyptian university students as few studies were conducted in Egypt.

That’s why it aims to answer the question: “what is the relation between social media usage and

depression among Egyptian adolescents?

References

Haand, R., & Shuwang, Z. (2020). The relationship between social media addiction and

depression: a quantitative study among university students in Khost,

Afghanistan. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 780-786.

Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: the influence of social media

on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents. International journal of

adolescence and youth, 25(1), 79-93.

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.

Vidal, C., Lhaksampa, T., Miller, L., & Platt, R. (2020). Social media use and depression in

adolescents: a scoping review. International Review of Psychiatry, 32(3), 235-253.

Wang, W., Wang, M., Hu, Q., Wang, P., Lei, L., & Jiang, S. (2020). Upward social comparison

on mobile social media and depression: The mediating role of envy and the moderating

role of marital quality. Journal of affective disorders, 270, 143-149.