The Impact of social media on the Mental Health of Vulnerable Youth in Huancayo

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of social networks on the mental health of vulnerable youth in Huancayo, with the objective of identifying correlations between the use of social networks and the appearance of symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. A mixed approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, with a sample of 300 young people who completed structured surveys and 30 participants who underwent semi-structured interviews. The results show that 75% of young people use social networks daily for 4 hours on average, and that 60% present significant symptoms of anxiety and depression. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between time spent on social networks and levels of anxiety (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and depression (r = 0.40, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that excessive use of social networks is associated with deterioration in the mental health of vulnerable youth, exacerbating pre-existing problems. Implications for the development of social interventions and public policies that encourage healthy use of social networks and promote the mental health of vulnerable youth are discussed.