The Impact of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of Adolescents Aged 13–18 Years in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and patterns of social media use among adolescents in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and to analyze its association with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected via an online, self-administered questionnaire from a convenience sample of 435 adolescents aged 13–18 years. The survey measured social media usage patterns, mental health symptoms using the validated Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, experiences of cyberbullying, and levels of parental mediation. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Social media use was pervasive, with 93.6% of participants owning accounts and 78.1% engaging for three or more hours daily. Elevated mental health symptoms were common: 31.6% of adolescents reported moderate-tosevere depressive symptoms (PHQ-A), and 35.4% reported moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms (GAD-7). A majority (59.3%) reported exposure to cyberbullying or negative messages. Parental mediation was limited, with only 20.0% of adolescents reporting specific rules for social media use. Notably, 76.1% of participants perceived the overall impact of social media on their mental health as negative. Conclusions: The findings indicate a strong association between intensive social media use and poorer mental health outcomes among adolescents in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The high prevalence of negative online experiences and the low level of active parental mediation highlight critical areas for intervention. Promoting digital literacy, fostering healthy online behaviors, and implementing evidence-based parental education programs are recommended to mitigate risks and support adolescent well-being