The impact of exposure to digital media on users' mental health: a literature review: Study on anxiety about social networks and the redefinition of the virtual environment

Abstract

The unbridled consumption of digital media has raised concerns about the impacts on mental health, especially among adolescents and young adults. This study seeks to conduct a literature review on the indicated relationship between anxiety and depression and social media usage behavior. The PICO strategy was used to collect data from the PubMed, SciELO and LILACS databases, totaling a total of 40 articles chosen for this research through the keywords: “social media”, “anxiety”, “self-isolation” and “mental health”. A correlation is indicated between the habit of using social networks excessively and symptoms of anxiety and depression, in addition to the practice of self-isolation. In addition, the studies analyzed conduct an investigation into the impact on sleep, establishing a connection between addiction to social networks and difficulty falling asleep when lying in bed. On the other hand, a use of the virtual environment is observed for the practice of specific treatments to improve well-being, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Thus, the duality of the use of new information technologies is present and, given the knowledge of the possible problems, paves the way for a redefinition of the digital environment.