THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS ON MENTAL HEALTH, SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, AND DIGITAL IDENTITY AMONG GENERATION Z

Dr. Emily  Carter; Dr. Lucas  Fernández

doi:10.69980/sb29ne37

Authors

Dr. Emily Carter
Dr. Lucas Fernández

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69980/sb29ne37

Abstract

Social media has undergone a dramatic transformation in how it is being used by generation Z; how they communicate, and their psychological experience as users. In digital settings, users are more and more encountering some content via social media algorithms, with which they interact and from which they experience emotional impact. This research aimed to examine how social media algorithm affects the mental health, social behaviours and digital identity development of Generation Z. The collected data were pre-processed and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and evaluation techniques based on regression analysis to analyze the relationship between algorithm-driven social media usage and psychosocial outcomes in Generation Z. The results showed that excessive use of personalized social media content was statistically significantly correlated with anxiety, emotional exhaustion, depression, fear of missing out (FOMO), and online validation dependency of the users belonging to Generation Z. Algorithmic recommendation systems also shaped social interactions, use of online platforms and the building of digital identities via engagement, or content exposure. The research additionally showed that the heavy users experienced emotional burnout, cyberbullying victimization, problems with privacy, and decreased face to face social interaction due to excessive social media use. In the meantime, social media also enabled younger people to share their knowledge of social issues, participate in culture and communication, and utilize digital media. The study concluded that algorithm-based digital environments can greatly influence users' psychological well-being and their social relationships in the Generation Z. The results highlight the need for digital literacy, ethical design of algorithms, mental health awareness and policy interventions for creating healthier online spaces in modern-day digital society.

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