A Bibliometric Analysis of Social Media's Impact on Young Adults' Mental Health and Well-Being

Abstract

This study uses bibliometric analysis to examine research trends about the influence of social media on the mental health and well-being of young adults from 2019 to 2025. The study used bibliometric techniques, specifically VOSviewer, to delineate key themes including anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and social media usage within the framework of major worldwide events, notably the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis identifies clusters of research pertaining to psychological distress, body image issues, and the impact of online learning during pandemic lockdowns. It underscores the role of social media platforms in exacerbating mental health issues via social comparison and heightened exposure to idealized representations. The research highlights the socio-political backdrop, indicating that concepts associated with democracy and political discourse affect youth well-being. Gender and socio-economic inequities are significant contributors, with women and low-income populations facing elevated mental health risks. Policy implications necessitate the integration of mental health support within educational environments and the implementation of digital literacy initiatives. This bibliometric analysis offers a comprehensive picture of emerging research trends, enabling evidence-based interventions to enhance the psychological well-being of young adults in a swiftly transforming digital and pandemic environment.