Students’ Social Media Use and Severity of Depression

Social media has transformed global communication and become deeply embedded in the daily lives of Filipino youth, shaping how they connect, express themselves, and engage with society. This study employed a descriptive-comparative research design to determine and examine the differences in the severity of depression among college students in Tagbilaran City during the academic year 2019–2020. It also examines the patterns of social media usage and the extent to which students engage in social comparison. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory (Katz et al., 1973), Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954), and Cognitive Theory of Depression (Beck, 1967), the study provides a comprehensive analysis of how digital engagement influences student experiences. Survey data were collected from 450 college students across two universities in Tagbilaran City. Results show that Facebook is the most frequently used platform (92.44%), followed by Instagram (51.56%) and Twitter (32.00%). The top reasons for social media engagement include staying connected with family and friends (88.40%), entertainment (79.33%), and news consumption (68.22%). Findings also indicate that 78.44% of students engage in upward social comparison, while 21.56% engage in downward comparison. Depression severity was assessed, revealing that 34.67% of respondents exhibit moderate symptoms, while 3.33% experience severe depression. Further analysis shows that the amount of time spent on social media is not a significant factor in determining depression severity. However, the manner in which students interact with digital content has notable implications. The results underscore the importance of mental health awareness and digital well-being programs in educational institutions. The study suggests the development of targeted interventions to promote responsible social media use, self-awareness, and coping mechanisms for managing digital exposure. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions on digital engagement and mental health, offering insights that can inform institutional policies and student support programs.