Social media has become an integral part of student life across the globe,
particularly in Southeast Asia where internet penetration and mobile
connectivity have surged dramatically in recent years. While social media
platforms offer avenues for learning, connection, and entertainment, their
excessive or unregulated use has raised concerns regarding student mental
health. This study investigates the relationship between social media usage
patterns and mental health indicators among university students in Southeast
Asia, focusing on psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, self
esteem, and sleep disturbances.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 500 students
across universities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. In
addition, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted with university counselors and
psychologists. Two main tables are presented: (1) social media usage by
platform and average screen time, and (2) correlation between usage intensity
and mental health indicators.
The results reveal a complex relationship. Moderate social media use
enhances peer support and information sharing, whereas excessive use—
especially passive scrolling and night-time usage—is significantly associated
with increased levels of anxiety, reduced sleep quality, and symptoms of
depression. Platforms emphasizing appearance-based content (e.g., Instagram, TikTok) showed higher links to self-esteem issues, especially among female
students.