Does Social Media Decrease Depressive Symptoms? Literature Review in Cross Cultural Analysis

Abstract

Affection is a basic need that an individual needs from birth. Lack of affection that is not obtained can cause individuals to reduce their levels of depression through social media. This study aims to determine the effect of social media on symptoms of depression. This research used a narrative literature review that consist background or introduction about social media and depressive symptoms, theoretical review, research method, result, and conclusion. Social media has an impact on depressive symptoms, both positively and negatively. Negative impacts are time spent, activity, investment, and addiction to social media are correlated with depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Positive impact can offer opportunities for positive influence, personal expression, and social support, thus contributing to positive mental health among youth. There are neither negative nor positive impacts. Social media did not predict depressive symptoms. The researcher finds there are good reasons to suspect that these conclusions are premature or incorrect. There are positive and negative impacts of social media depressive symptoms. In earlier research, social media did not predict depressive symptoms. The researcher finds there are good reasons to suspect that these conclusions are premature or incorrect.