Facebook and Social Contagion of Mental Health Disorders Among College Students

• Main Authors: Sharon J. Davis, Asher M. Pimpleton-Gray
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The International Academic Forum 2017-12-01
• Series: IAFOR Journal of Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences
• Subjects: social media; Facebook; mental health; non-suicidal self-injury; suicidal behavior
• Online Access: https://iafor.org/journal/iafor-journal-of-psychology-and-the-behavioral-sciences/volume-3-issue-2/article-3/

Non-suicidal self-injury is growing in popularity among young people. Studies suggest that the phenomenon of social contagion may be to blame. This study explored the influence of the popular social media site, Facebook, on mental health, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidal behavior in college students. A total of 244 undergraduate students participated in this study. Results found that Facebook can increase personal anxiety and depression, but it is more likely to increase happiness and good mood. However, for some individuals Facebook can lead to more self-injurious behavior, such as cutting.