THE
LEARNING
CURVE
Scrolling for Solace: Post-COVID-19 Social Media Use, Loneliness, and Mental Health in Indian Emerging Adults
Author(s): Anusmita Kalita & Archita Thakuria
Keywords: social media use, COVID-19, loneliness, mental health, emotional regulation
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered social interactions, leading individuals to rely heavily on social media for connection during periods of physical isolation. This study examines perceived changes in social media use post-COVID-19 among Indian emerging adults (19–30 years) and its impact on loneliness and mental health functioning. Utilising a cross-sectional research design with convenience sampling, responses from 150 emerging adults were analysed. Participants completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Mental Health ContinuumShort Form (MHC-SF), and a Social Media Use questionnaire that assessed usage patterns. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Scheffé’s post-hoc test, revealing that changes in time spent on social media significantly influenced loneliness and mental health functioning. Specifically, participants who perceived an increase in social media use post-COVID-19 reported higher loneliness and lower mental health functioning compared to those who perceived a decrease. Additionally, most participants reported using social media for emotional regulation and engaging in habitual use for distraction. These findings underscore the role of social media in influencing the psychological well-being of emerging adults, necessitating further exploration of its long-term effects.