International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

The Impact of Social Media Usage on the Physical and Mental Health of Government School Students in the Ramhlun Areas of Aizawl, Mizoram

The present study examines the impact of social media usage on the physical and mental health of government school students in the Ramhlun areas of Aizawl, Mizoram. The research was conducted among students from government elementary (Class V-VIII) and secondary (Classes IX-X) schools, employing a descriptive survey design. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data on patterns of mobile phone ownership, social media use, duration of online engagement, and self-reported indicators of physical and psychological well-being. The findings reveal that prolonged and unregulated use of social media platforms is associated with symptoms such as eye strain, irregular sleep patterns, decreased physical activity, and reduced academic focus due to multitasking. Moreover, excessive engagement with online content correlates with increased levels of anxiety, mood fluctuations, and social withdrawal among adolescents. However, moderate and purposeful use of social media was also found to facilitate peer interaction, knowledge sharing, and access to educational resources. The study highlights the dual nature of social media as both a beneficial and potentially harmful influence on students’ overall health. It underscores the need for awareness programs, digital literacy education, and parental guidance to promote balanced and responsible use of social media among young learners in Mizoram.