Exploring the Impact of Social Media Addiction on Body Image Dissatisfaction and Depression among Adults

Abstract

Background: Social media plays a significant role in adult life, influencing communication, self-presentation, and psychological well-being. Excessive use may lead to social media addiction, this has been linked to an unhappy self-image and mental health issues. However, existing research shows inconsistent findings, particularly among adults, indicating the need for a focused review of the literature. Objective: The objective of the study was to review existing research on the relationship between social media addiction, body image dissatisfaction, and depression among adults and to examine gender-related patterns. Methodology: A secondary research design using a narrative literature review was adopted. Peer-reviewed articles and scholarly sources were collected from databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. Relevant studies were analyzed thematically. Conclusion: Adults’ body image dissatisfaction and sadness are not strongly predicted by social media addiction on their own, according to the analysis. Psychological outcomes are influenced by multiple factors such as social comparison, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Promoting balanced social media use and media literacy may support better mental health.