THE SPECIFICS OF ANXIETY STATES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE DURING INTERACTION WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
Authors:   Alfred Nobel University, Harkusha Inesa , Dubinskyi Serhii ,   Alfred Nobel University
Published: February 2025

The article highlights the specifics of anxiety states among young people during their interactions
with social media. Despite the various benefits that social networks offer, the research reveals adverse con-
sequences of excessive social media usage, such as a deficit in real-life communication and conflicts with
close ones and family members due to an excessive focus on life in social networks.
The aim of the article is to define the level of the impact of different social media platforms (Insta-
gram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) on the development of various types of anxiety, considering the differences in
content formats and interaction modes on these platforms. Additionally, it seeks to define the nature and
intensity of anxiety states among young people associated with social networks, such as the fear of missing
out (FoMO), dependence on audience approval, and emotional reactions to negative or insincere content.
The study employed methods including content analysis of primary sources, systematisation, specifi-
cation, and generalisation of approaches to identifying the factors contributing to anxiety and dependence
arising from social media interactions.
It has been noted that two emotions underlie this experience and numerous similar ones in human
psyche: fear and anxiety. Both are adaptive responses of the body to various situations.
The concepts of social networks and social media are defined. Social media have become inseparable
from personal and professional life, significantly influencing the political landscape of countries. The expan-
sion of 4G and 5G networks has increased the interconnectedness of virtual and real societies. Activities on
social networks, such as sharing, liking, messaging, and other interactions, amplify the stress experienced
by social media participants.
The findings indicate that real-life social support is associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and
social isolation, whereas social support via social networks does not demonstrate a similar association with
these mental health measures.
It has been proven that social networks provoke several adverse changes in the psyche and have a sig-
nificant impact on the lives of modern youth. Increasingly, social media platforms are being used for self-
disclosure regarding mental health conditions, seeking support, and obtaining therapeutic benefits. Social
interactions are progressively shifting online, complementing offline relationships.
The research identifies that various social networks have become popular tools for social communi-
cation and establishing social connections. The original idea behind social networks was to facilitate social-
isation, adaptation, and self-presentation. As the popularity of social networks has grown, so has the fre-
quency of dependency on them.
The study outlines that the increasing popularity of social networks has heightened dependency rates.
Social media have a dual effect on appearance-related anxiety. Enhanced engagement with social networks
exacerbates concerns about appearance, establishes aesthetic standards, and fosters a comparative envi-
ronment.
It has been demonstrated that in 2024, the five most popular social media platforms include Face-
book, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat.
The study reveals that this new social media environment has given rise to a phenomenon known as
Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), characterised by the desire to remain connected and informed to avoid miss-
ing any significant events or information.
It has been concluded that the emergence of social networks has introduced new features and chal-
lenges to societal adaptation. With the increasing frequency of criminal exploitation, cyberbullying, and in-
terpersonal harm caused by the excessive disclosure of personal and others’ lives, the need for psychologi-
cal assistance and specialised therapy becomes evident.