Social Media Use as a Maladaptive Coping Mechanism and Predictor of Psychiatric Morbidity among University of Ilorin undergraduates

Abstract

Introduction: Pervasive use of social media among university students globally has raised concerns about its impact on mental health. This study assessed patterns of social media use and its relationship with psychiatric distress among undergraduates at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 undergraduates selected via a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic details, Social Networking Time Use Scale (SONTUS), Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (SMEQ), and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The mean age of respondents was 21 ± 2.76 years, and the majority (59.8%) were female. The study found high rates of social-media addiction (70.9%) and psychological distress (37.3%). A dose-dependent relationship was found between increased numbers of days, hours, and money spent on social media and psychological distress. Participants with probable distress reported significant more extensive use, particularly during times of stress and leisure periods (p-value = < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, significant predictors of distress were problematic social media use (adjusted odds ratio, AOR =2.203, CI = 1.289-3.766) and use of social media during a stressful period (AOR = 1.044, CI = 1.016-1.073). Conclusion: The study adds to evidence linking social media addiction with probable psychiatric morbidity among students. The association suggests that frequent use of social media during stressful periods points to its role as both a potential coping mechanism and a maladaptive behaviour that may worsen distress. Therefore, universities should consider incorporating evidence-based digital literacy programmes into their mental health support services.