Social Media Usage and Mental Health Awareness among Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between social media usage and mental health awareness among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. Social media platforms have become integral parts of students’ academic, social, and personal lives, serving as channels for communication, entertainment, information sharing, and educational engagement. In recent years, social media has also emerged as an important medium for promoting mental health awareness, counselling support, and psychological education. Despite these benefits, concerns remain regarding excessive social media use, cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, and exposure to misleading mental health information among university students. The study examines the extent to which undergraduate students utilise social media platforms for mental health awareness and explores the influence of social media on students’ understanding of mental health issues. A descriptive survey research design is adopted, targeting undergraduate students in selected Nigerian universities. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires and interviews involving students and university counsellors. Findings are expected to reveal that social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X serve as major sources of mental health information among students. The study also anticipates that while social media contributes positively to mental health awareness, excessive and unregulated use may negatively affect students’ psychological wellbeing. The study recommends the promotion of digital mental health literacy programmes, responsible social media usage campaigns, and increased institutional support for student mental health services. The research contributes to existing scholarship on social media, mental health awareness, and student wellbeing in higher education institutions in Nigeria.