Abstract

The complex relationship between social media and student mental health was examined in this study. The results demonstrated both positive and negative effects. This study involved 50 students from colleges and universities in Zimbabwe, aged between 20 and 35. Social media analysis, interviews, and surveys were the methods used to collect data regarding the use of social media. The positive effects of social media act as a therapeutic method as it can give counselling, entertainment, connectivity, education, and personal empow erment. With the negative effects as cyberbullying, social media addiction, fear of missing out (FOMO) and bad effects on schooling and mental health. In conclusion, the impact of social media on students' mental health raises awareness of the potential negative psychological effects of excessive social media use on their well-being. This understanding could lead to the development of targeted interventions and programs to help mitigate these effects and these insights can also help shape policies and guidelines to protect youth's mental health in this digital era.

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