this looks like it is a empirical study and not a lit. review right

Res, J. Med. Sci., 18 (12): 583-587, 2024 INTRODUCTION The digital age has brought with it rapid advancements in technology and communication, fundamentally altering how individuals interact with the world and with each other. Among the most. significant developments has been the proliferation of social media platforms, which have become central to the daily lives of millions, particularly among adolescents. While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for communication, learning and self- expression, they also pose potential risks to mental health"! Adolescence isa critical period characterized by significant physical, psychological and social changes. During this stage, individuals are particularly sensitive to external influences, making the impact of social media especially potent. Recent studies have suggested that intense and prolonged use of social media can affect adolescents' mental health, influencing their self-esteem, anxiety levels and incidence of depressive symptoms!*\"), The dual nature of social media as both a tool for connection and a potential source of distress underscores the importance of announced understanding of its impact. Positive aspects, such as increased communication with peers and access to health information, contrast with negatives like cyberbullying, social comparison and sleep disruption. These factors can contribute to a complex array of mental health outcomes, varying widely among individuals', Aims: To analyze the impact of social media use on the mental health of adolescents. Objectives: * To quantify the relationship between social media usage duration and mental health symptoms among adolescents. * Toexplore the role of content type and interaction quality on social media in influencing adolescent mental health. * To assess the moderating effects of demographic variables (such as age, gender and socioeconomic status) on the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Source of Data: Data was collected from high schools and online adolescent community groups to ensure a diverse participant pool reflecting a broad spectrum of social media usage patterns. Study Design: The study employed a cross-sectional design to capture a snapshot of social media use and mental health status among adolescents at a single point in time. Study Location: Research was conducted in urban and suburban areas across multiple states to encompass a wide demographic. Study Duration: Data collection took place over a six-month period from January to June 2024 to ensure sufficient data accumulation and to account for any seasonal variations in social media usage or mental health status. Sample Size: The study involved 200 adolescent participants, chosen to provide a statistically significant sample that reflects diverse social media usage habits. Inclusion Criteria: Participants included adolescents aged 12-18 years who were active social media users (using social media at least once a week). Exclusion Criteria: Excluded were adolescents with diagnosed psychiatric disorders prior to the onset of the study to avoid confounding the effects of pre-existing conditions. Procedure and Methodology: Participants were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire assessing their social media usage patterns, including time spent on platforms, types of activities engaged in and content interaction. Additionally, standardized psychological scales were administered to evaluate aspects of mental health such as anxiety, depression and self -esteem. Sample Processing: Data from questionnaires and psychological tests were coded and anonymized to maintain participant confidentiality. Statistical Methods: Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, multiple regression analyses and structural equation modeling to explore the relationships between social media use variables and mental health outcomes. Data Collection: Data were collected through digital questionnaires distributed via email and social media, along with in-person sessions conducted in school settings to facilitate the completion of psychological assessments. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Table 1: impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Mental Health (n=200} Variable n__ Percentage (%) 95% Cl P-value Low Mental Health 47 238 (083,287) 0.022 Moderate Mental Health 74 37.0 (214, 42.6) 0.045 High Mental Health 79 39.5 (41,449) 0.033 (Table 1) presents the impact of social media use on adolescent mental health among 200 participants. It | ISSN: 1993-6095 | Volume 18 | Number 12 | | 2024 |