SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND DEPRESSION AMONG YOUTH: A THEORETICAL REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH

This study aims to theoretically examine the relationship between social media use and depression among young people. In recent years, with the development of technology, social media platforms have become an integral part of daily life. In particular, young people widely use these platforms for communication, information access, and spending their free time. However, a significant body of research has linked excessive social media use to various psychological problems. The study was conducted based on a literature review approach. In this context, both local and international scientific studies examining the relationship between social media use, social media addiction, and depression were reviewed, and the obtained findings were evaluated in a general framework. Research indicates that intensive use of social media may, in some cases, lead to the development of social media addiction, which is associated with psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness, and low self-esteem. At the same time, factors such as social comparison tendency and fear of missing out (FoMO) are noted to contribute to the increase of depressive symptoms. Therefore, regulating and limiting social media use is considered important for the mental health of young people.