The impact of social media on the mental health of teenagers in Mankweng Township, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of teenage social media use on mental health in Mankweng Township, Limpopo Province. It drew upon Self-Determination Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory, and Social Comparison Theory to interpret teenagers’ online behaviours and their psychological effects. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 participants and analysed thematically, while quantitative data from 50 participants were gathered via structured questionnaires and examined using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. Three main themes emerged: patterns of social media use, adolescents’ mental health experiences related to social media, and coping and support strategies. Findings indicated that teenagers primarily used social media for leisure, communication with peers and family, information gathering, and creative expression. Nevertheless, participants also reported negative experiences, including pressure to curate an ideal online image, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and social comparison were all linked to fear of Missing Out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and social comparison were all linked to stress, anxiety and lowered self-esteem. Simultaneously, social media was valued as a space for learning, connection, and self-expression. Coping mechanisms included listening to music, exercising, journaling and temporarily disengaging from online platforms. Participants recommended greater involvement from parents, educators, policymakers and social media platforms to encourage safer and more balanced online engagement. Overall, the study highlights that while social media offers important benefits to adolescents, it also poses significant psychological risks, emphasising the need for comprehensive interventions that combine education, family support, and digital governance.