Impact of Social Media Use on Physical, Mental, Social, and Emotional Health, Sleep Quality, Body Image, and Mood: Evidence from 21 Countries—A Systematic Literature Review with Narrative Synthesis

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, 63.7% of people use distinct social media (SM) platforms. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube Shorts/Reels are highly popular among users, and the frequent use of these SM platforms has an adverse effect on their health and well-being. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to determine the impacts of distinct SM platform use, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube Shorts or Reels, on overall health, sleep quality, body image, and mood. Method: The records were searched across ten major databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, DARE, CINAHL, Embase, UGC CARE I, and PsycINFO), as well as specific journal websites and citations. Papers published between January 2010 and August 2024 in the English language, with a quantitative approach, and in peer-reviewed journals were preferred. Records were screened and extracted following the PRISMA guidelines and evaluated for risk of bias using a quality assessment tool. The findings were synthesized narratively to integrate evidence across diverse study designs and outcomes. Results: In this SLR, we have synthesized findings from 57 studies comprising 571,427 participants. The findings revealed that daily social media use (SMU) is associated with increased stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and poor sleep quality. At the same time, it is linked to reduced self-esteem and life satisfaction. SMU is positively associated with several physiological issues, including burning eyes, wrist pain, neck and shoulder pain, chest pain, stomach pain, nausea, headaches, and muscle pain. It increases the sense of isolation from family and society while decreasing executive functions and prospective memory. It also negatively impacts academic performance, body image, mood, and well-being in adolescents and young adults. Problematic social media use (PSMU) reduces emotional regulation while increasing procrastination and perceived stress. Instagram users report more PSMU than Facebook users, while depressive individuals prefer Twitter over Instagram and Facebook. Conclusion: Frequent usage of SM platforms leads to an increase in the PSMU, which further affects mental, physical, social, and emotional health, sleep quality, body image, and mood.